Numerical Analysis of Resilient Beam-Column Connection with Replaceable Integrated Type Fuse Link

The current study follows the development trend of replaceable fuse design for resilient beam-column connections in steel structures. These replaceable parts are aimed to dissipate seismic energy in minor earthquakes and have damage in major seismic activity without damage in main load-carrying members. A novel replaceable fuse is proposed with four variations in shapes of openings—circular, elliptical, square, and triangular. Towards this, a parametric study of beam-column sub assemblage with fuse by changing the size of the opening is done by the Finite Element Method (FEM) using ABAQUS Software. A reverse cyclic SAC loading protocol covers the low to high amplitude load cycles. It is observed from the quasi-static analysis that the stress concentration can be seen in the fuse part only, and the other load-carrying members (beam, column, stiffeners) are in an elastic state. The corresponding load versus deformation hysteresis curves are also brought under study. Maximum load carrying capacity is observed for circular small opening fuses (CSF) and maximum energy dissipation by triangular large opening fuses (TLF). The parametric analysis of these fuses varying the opening size is also carried out. In a major seismic event, this small fuse part becomes inelastic and it can be replaced in 20–30 min.