Experimental analysis of seismic resistant composite steel frames with dissipative devices

This article presents the results of the experimental research performed at Politecnico di Milano, within the project Fuseis. The research project aims at developing innovative types of seismic resistant composite steel frames with dissipative fuses. In case of strong seismic events, damage will concentrate only in these fuses, without observing any significant damage in the structural elements such as steel beams, columns and reinforced concrete slab of the structure. After the seismic event, the repair work will be limited only to replacing the fuses. Four full scale tests are implemented in order to evaluate the performance of a composite steel frame with fuse devices under seismic actions in terms of moment rotation behavior of the joints, global energy dissipation, storey drift and frame stability.

► The project aims at concentrating the earthquake damage on replaceable fuses. ► Fuse devices are placed in the dissipative zones of the composite steel frames. ► Repair work after a strong seismic event is limited only to replacing the fuses. ► Frame showed excellent performance in terms of ductility, resistance, and dissipation. ► Beams and columns did not suffer any damage while the repair work is achieved easily.