Abstract: A replaceable graded-yielding energy-dissipation connector (RGEC) is proposed to improve the resilience of prefabricated concrete frame structures. The yield process of the structure can be controlled efficiently by installing the RGEC at the beam-column joints. Based on the equivalent stress yield strength theory, the shape curve considering the yield stress contour is derived for the bending-shear components of RGEC. Then the shape curve with the best low cycle fatigue performance is obtained by integrating the Abaqus finite element model and optimization algorithm in Python. Low cyclic loading tests were performed on 5 RGEC specimens to investigate the seismic properties. The performance of RGEC with shape optimized bending-shear components is evaluated, and the influence parameters of the bending-shear component were analyzed. The results show that: the plastic strain distribution of the optimized bending-shear component is more uniform, and the energy dissipation capacity and material utilization are increased significantly. Meanwhile, the deformation capacity of the RGEC with the optimized bending-shear component obviously enhanced. By reducing the yield stress contour height ratio or height-width ratio of the bending-shear component, the bearing capacity and energy dissipation capacity of the RGEC can be improved, while the stiffness degradation rate is accelerated. The deformation and damage of specimens are mainly concentrated in bending-shear components and in the components of buckling possibility, and the energy dissipation mechanism with graded yield is realized, demonstrating that the yield process of structures can be controlled effectively by the RGEC.