Resilience

DuraFuse Frames are more resilient because they do not sacrifice the beams during a severe earthquake. Extensive laboratory testing has been performed to validate the DuraFuse Frame. The video shows two views of a DuraFuse Frame connection for a few cycles of earthquake simulation. The yielding is confined to the fuse plate, and there is no beam or column damage.

In contrast, all of the rigid connections that are prequalified for steel special moment frames in AISC 358-16 are designed to sacrifice the beams. This video is from laboratory testing of a typical connection and illustrates the type of beam yielding that may occur during severe earthquake loading. Similar videos are available for other connections.

This video illustrates how beam damage can occur during a severe earthquake. It also shows how DuraFuse Frames protect the beams and the columns with replaceable fuse plates.