CYCLIC LOADING TEST ON HIGH-STRENGTH STEEL BEAM-TO-COLUMN CONNECTIONS WITH DAMAGE-CONTROL FUSES

A novel seismic frame structural system that allows continuous use after major earthquakes is proposed by making full use of the superior elastic deformation capacity of high-strength steel, energy dissipation of dampers, and damage control functions of fuse plates. The mechanical behavior of one of the key structural components, that is, the welded beam-to-column moment connection with fuse plates, is investigated by cyclic loading tests. Four steel beam-to-column welded connection specimens, including one common steel connection, one high-strength steel connection with no fuses and two high-strength steel joints with two different types of damage-control fuse plates, are tested. It is shown from the test results that the elastic deformation capacity can be increased by about three times by using high-strength steel, which is sufficient to meet the deformation demand of the proposed structural system. The proposed damage control fuses work well to limit the force demand that is exerted to the members and joints, keeping the high strength steel frame remain elastic.