Steel honeycomb elements for improving the seismic performance of moment-resisting frames with masonry infills

In this study, a seismic performance design procedure for the implementation of steel honeycomb elements as a structural fuse in infilled moment frames has been introduced. The design procedure of the proposed steel honeycomb structural fuse (HCSF) has been based on the assumption that seismic forces generated during low-to moderate story drifts can be transferred to the infill wall to dictate the predefined force distribution and deformations in the system. Then, by increasing the story drifts the designed HCSF element would be sacrificed yield to dissipating earthquake energy and preventing further damage to the structure. To demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed HCSF concept, comprehensive numerical simulations were conducted using the ABAQUS software to investigate the effects of various design parameters on the performance of the innovative fuse. The findings of this study affirm that the HCSF concept can effectively mitigate the harmful effects of infill-frame interaction in structures, in addition to reducing permitted damages within specified performance levels. The obtained results revealed that the utilization of a steel honeycomb fuse at the interface between the infill and frame yields a notable contribution of infill wall up to 70% in the lateral load resistance of the whole system. This innovative approach results in the activation of the infill wall and brings about significant enhancements in both load-bearing capacity, ranging from 112% to 180%, and energy dissipation, ranging from approximately 22% to 90%, when compared to the isolated infilled frame. Additionally, the proposed approach effectively reduces the drift of the infill wall to one-fourth of the previous design with a contacted infill wall to meet the considered performance level. Overall, the HCSF concept presents a promising approach to enhance the seismic performance of infilled moment frames, promoting the safety and resilience of such structures during earthquakes.