this article presents the investigation of the performance of a new ductile seismic resistant steel bracing system, called braced ductile shear panel, which can be used to provide the necessary lateral strength to steel braced frame buildings in high seismic areas. the proposed system in comprised of a sacrificial rectangular shear panel, connected to the frame by four short braces. this system is envisioned as an economical alternative to more expensive bracing systems, while still providing increased design control and similar performance levels. the development of this system concept is illustrated, and equations are developed to predict the elastic and plastic response of the shear panel based on its geometry by means of reduced mode, and a numerical parametric study. to validate the results of the computational study, an experimental program is conducted on a half-scale steel frame braced with this system. this work shows that the braced ductile shear panel can achieve high level of ductility, and it can, represent a viable, economical alternative to provide a building with the necessary lateral strength.