Numerical evaluation of ductility and energy absorption of steel rings constructed from plates

•Performance of the steel ring made of two half-steel rings is investigated.•Steel ring is a kind of energy dissipater, posed in a point of bracing system.•Evaluation of connection, thickness, and material properties on ductility of the ring.•ANSYS software was used to model and validate the experimental data.•The results highlights the role of made-up steel rings in bracing behavior. Several studies have been performed to increase the ductility of concentric braces in the past decades. Incorporating an energy-dissipator member in the braces is one of the novel approaches to increase the ductility of the braces. Experimental and numerical studies have shown that steel rings made of steel pipes can be an effective energy-dissipator in the braces. However, due to the limitations on the size of the steel pipes, it is not always possible to find an appropriate pipe to be used in the braces. In the current study, performance of the steel ring made of two half-steel rings is investigated. In addition, effect of the welding or utilizing bolts, thickness of the ring, and material properties on the ductility and energy absorption of the braces is evaluated. Results indicated to the appropriate ductility and energy absorption of made-up steel rings.