Cyclic Behavior of DuraFuse Frames Moment Connections

Most special moment frames (SMF) rely on beam yielding to reach drifts of 0.04 rad and beyond. In contrast, DuraFuse Frames (DFF) incorporate a fuse plate that acts as the yielding element. Nine full-scale DFF specimens were tested using AISC 341, Seismic Provisions for Structural Buildings, Chapter K, to prequalify the DFF connection for use in SMF and inclusion in AISC 358, Prequalified Connections for Special and Intermediate Steel Moment Frames for Seismic Applications. Eight specimens were tested with the standard protocol and exceeded the qualification criteria. The other specimen completed a custom protocol representing three maximum credible earthquakes (MCE) in sequence. The experiments demonstrated that the stiffness of the DFF connection is sufficient to classify the connection as fully restrained (FR).