Energy-Dissipating Replaceable Fuse Elements for Steel Beam-Column Connection

CSIR-SERC has developed a novel easily replaceable fuse elements of beam-column connection (in the form of two fuse link components) for earthquake resistant steel special moment resisting frames (SMRFs). The fuse links are simple to design and cost-effective, and can be fixed and dismantled easily.

The technology helps to retrofit the steel buildings after severe earthquake, which is not possible with the existing  systems. Hence, the user will prefer to adopt the present technology as it ensures occupants safety during severe earthquake and reduces financial burden by reuse of buildings. Further, this technology also has the potential to enhance the performance of existing buildings against the severe earthquake.

• Simple and easy to design
• Links act as fuse and be the primary energy dissipating system in SMRFs during strong earthquake shaking
• Damage is confined within the fuse links
• Reduced cost of repair after strong earthquakes with no considerable increase in initial cost
• Damaged fuse links - easy to identify and replace