Innovative energy dissipation systems (FUSEIS 1-1) — Experimental analysis

• Development of innovative seismic resistant steel frames
• Provision of exchangeable/replaceable fuses
• Vierendeel behavior
• Energy absorption capacity — evaluation of ductility factor
• Nonlinear parameters

Structural elements in multi-story steel building frames may be damaged and in need of repair after strong earthquakes. Conventional structural systems, like moment resisting frames, concentric or eccentric braced frames, are not advantageous in respect to reparability. For that reason two innovative systems with dissipative fuses were introduced and studied in the frame of a European Research Program with the name “FUSEIS” [1] and [2]. The first, FUSEIS 1, which is described here, is composed of two closely spaced strong columns rigidly connected to a number of beams between floors. Energy dissipation and potential damage during strong ground motions concentrate in these short beams only that constitute the fuse elements. Repair work, if needed, is therefore limited to the fuses only. Actually, the fuses may be completely replaced, an easy task given their small dimensions and the fact that they are connected by bolted connections to the columns.The FUSEIS system combines strength, stiffness, ductility and architectural transparency. It is cost-effective in respect to initial installation and replacement/repair. The fuse elements and the overall system were studied experimentally and analytically. Experimental investigations on the fuse behavior to cyclic loading were performed at the Technical University of Aachen, while on the overall system at the Technical University of Athens. This paper presents the experimental research and the accompanying numerical investigations carried out for the overall system.