For Engineers
For Engineers
Maximize Performance and Economy
Structural steel moment frames are advantageous due to their rapid construction schedule and architectural versatility. A key factor with steel moment frames is selecting a beam-column connection that can be designed, fabricated, and erected economically as the moment connections are a key driver during frame fabrication and construction. Using field-welded connections simplifies design but takes more time and resources to erect and inspect. Field-bolted moment connections require more rigorous design but save time and money during fabrication and erection. DuraFuse Frames field-bolted connections make this decision simple by reducing the frame construction cost by lowering tonnage, simplifying fabrication and shortening the erection schedule.
Wind (R=3)
FAQs provide answers to the most common questions related to DuraFuse Frames.
Technical Bulletins provide in-depth discussion of 25+ engineering topics. Peruse the titles and abstracts to find the bulletins that pertain to your questions.
Low Seismic (R=3)
Using DuraFuse for projects where wind controls the design or seismic detailing is not required is advantageous. Typical tonnage savings are around 10% due to the panel zone stiffness of the DuraFuse connection and our in-house developed optimization tools. We collaborate with your team to find the lowest cost solution for the steel frame. The tonnage savings coupled with a short erection schedule with swing-in beam erection reduces the total constructed cost of the frame. Compared to other proprietary systems, DuraFuse is a more economical solution in that our connection weight is reduced by about 50%, comparatively.
High Seismic (R=8)
The advantages of DuraFuse for high seismic projects are astonishing. Rather than absorbing damage in the beam, our connection absorbs earthquake damage in a replaceable fuse plate at the bottom flange of the beam. This mechanism provides several advantages in the design process that allows our frames to be around 15% lighter than non-proprietary connections (RBS, WUF-W, …) and around 5% lighter than other fully restrained proprietary connections. On top of the tonnage savings, DuraFuse connections eliminate all the seismic lateral beam bracing. On typical special moment frame projects this eliminates at least 2/3 the lateral beam braces which translates to additional cost savings and fewer conflicts with non-structural systems. The biggest advantage with DuraFuse is the improved resilience with a repairable connection. Studies have shown a reduction of at least 60% in both the cost and time to repair a structure following a design earthquake. Focusing damage on a replaceable component makes buildings both sustainable and resilient as the probability of demolition and re-build is significantly reduced. DuraFuse Frames combines repairability and economy, meaning that you don’t have to settle. The building will have the lowest frame construction cost and can be rapidly reoccupied after a major earthquake.
Seismic Retrofit
Existing non-ductile steel moment frame (pre-Northridge) buildings are found throughout high seismic regions. Retrofitting either voluntarily or because of a local ordinance greatly improves the safety and resilience of these buildings. DuraFuse Frames has developed and tested replaceable fuse retrofit configurations that are economical and resilient. The basic premise is to provide a yielding fuse at the bottom flange of the beam so the non-ductile connections can absorb earthquake energy without damaging the beam and while lowering demands on the non-ductile beam-column welds. Using a fuse that can be detailed to the existing conditions allows for tailorability of the design to the weak link in the load path (brittle welds, column panel zone, strong-beam weak-column conditions, …). In addition to improving the life-safety of the building, the resilience is also improved in that the damage is focused in the fuse plate which can be replaced following a damaging earthquake.
Working with DuraFuse Frames
No matter the project type, location or size, we can assist with designing the most economical and resilient solution. At DuraFuse, we strive to be a trusted partner from early design all the way through completion of construction and beyond.
Code Compliance provides links to the documents that demonstrate DuraFuse Frames compliance with the International Building Code, California Building Code, Los Angeles Building Code, and AISC Seismic Provisions.
Refereed Journal Articles have been peer-reviewed and describe DuraFuse Frames prequalification testing, moment frame weight comparisons, and functional recovery of moment frames. If you don’t have access to some of the journals, contact us to get the papers.
