Abstract: The unique restoring force model for self-centering buckling-restrained braces (SC-BRB) made the seismic response of structures with SC-BRBs quite different from that of the traditional structures. As a result, it is necessary to study the aseismic performance of structures with SC-BRBs. A simplified yet accurate restoring force model for SC-BRB was proposed according to a higher performance objective, which can be extended to structures with self-centering friction braces. Then all independent parameters that could completely determine the seismic displacement response, i.e. maximum displacement ratio spectrum, of a structure with SC-BRBs were found using the kinetic equation of a SDOF SC-BRB system. Additionally, a maximum displacement ratio spectrum is proven irrelevant with the amplitude of ground motion for structures without stiffness and strength degeneration. Finally, the main conclusions were validated by two examples.