Refereed Journal Articles

This study used FEMA P-58 to quantify the functional recovery of steel moment frames. DuraFuse Frames were compared with other proprietary and non-proprietary special moment frames that sacrifice the beams. Response history analysis showed that DuraFuse Frames had up to 47% less residual drift than other frames because of the enhanced post-yield stiffness. FEMA P-58 analysis showed dramatically better functional recovery (cost and time) for DuraFuse Frames because of the lower residual drifts and improved repairability.

This paper describes the experimental testing of eleven specimens with various beams sizes (W21×50, W30×99, W40×167, W36×232). Testing was performed at the University of California, San Diego. The experiments prequalified the DuraFuse Frames connection for use in special moment frames (see AISC 358-22), and demonstrated fuse replacement. One specimen completed tests with three MCE earthquakes in sequence without fuse replacement.

This paper presents experimental results for specimens with W33×152 and W36×150 beams. It discusses fuse strain hardening, and explains why DuraFuse Frames have much greater post-yield stiffness than other special moment frames.

This paper describes the experimental testing of specimens with W27×84 beams and W21×132 columns. The experiments demonstrated rotation capacity beyond 0.05 rad, which exceeds AISC requirements for special moment frames. The tests also demonstrated successful fuse replacement.

This paper reports on the original DuraFuse prototype tests. See how it all began.