An innovative ductile bracing system easily repairable after a seismic event

According to the capacity design method, earthquake-resistant structures should have the ability to dissipate energy through dissipative regions, which are expected to yield while the other structural members remain in the elastic field during seismic excitation. The nonlinear response of an innovative bracing system, in which the dissipation of energy relies on a fuse, is investigated through experimental tests. The fuse is subject to a combination of bending moment, axial, and shear force. Results provide useful information on the influence of several design parameters, such as the fuse cross-section compactness and shape, on the mechanical behavior of the system. The stability of the moment-rotation hysteresis loops and the energy dissipation are investigated through cyclic tests. The work highlights the fuse to be easily replaceable while ensuring ductile system response.