Performance of multi-storey composite steel-concrete frames with dissipative fuse devices

Abstract

Repair work of conventional steel-concrete composite frames can be very expensive, sometimes impossible due to practical problems. EU-funded research project FUSEIS (RFCS-CT-2008-00032) has introduced two innovative types of seismic resistant steel-concrete composite frame types with dissipative fuses, which are cost-effective and robust alternatives to conventional frame types. In these frames, damage concentrates mainly in the fuses, which are easily and inexpensively replaceable after strong seismic events. In this study, performance of the type-2 fuse device from FUSEIS project have been assessed inside a multilevel 2D steel-concrete composite frame, by means of nonlinear time history analysis. Performance of a benchmark building with and without fuse devices has been compared in terms of damage, floor displacements and drifts.