Experimental evaluation of a U-shaped steel plate as a seismic fuse

Abstract

This paper evaluates experimentally the cyclic response of a novel U-shaped steel plate proposed to dissipate seismic-induced energy through a unique mechanism called scissor bending. The cyclic behaviour of the U-shaped plate, including hysteresis response, plastic mechanism, strength and stiffness, ductility and energy dissipation capacities are examined. Four U-shaped steel plates varying in thickness are tested under cyclic loading. Furthermore, a mechanics-based method is proposed to estimate the stiffness and yielding strength of the fuse. The finite element model of the specimens is developed to reproduce their hysteretic behaviour and verify the stiffness and yielding capacity of the fuse. The results confirm that the proposed U-shaped steel plate demonstrate stable hysteretic behaviour and exhibit appreciable deformation ductility and energy-dissipating capacities. The U-shaped plate can be used as a seismic fuse in the design of frame structures.