Experimental and numerical study on the behavior of novel multi-segment replaceable steel shear links

Reinforced concrete columns and steel beams (RCS) hybrid frame with replaceable links have larger seismic fortification capacity, faster earthquake resilience and lower cost than the traditional RC or steel frame systems due to a combination of the RCS frame and linked columns frame. With the aim of enlarging the architectural function and improving the seismic performance of the whole system, a modified type of the linked columns frame consisting of dual steel columns and the multi-segment replaceable shear links was developed in this program. The multi-segment replaceable shear link serving as the structural fuse comprised a central shear link connecting to the two linked beams by the dismountable connections at its two ends. The structural configuration and deformation mechanism of this linked columns frame were first introduced in this study. To examine the cyclic behavior of the multi-segment replaceable shear link, quasi-static cyclic tests consisting of the proposed link and common intermediate link were designed and tested. The results indicated that inelastic deformation and damage features of the multi-segment replaceable shear link concentrated in the central shear link while two linked beams remained undamaged; compared with the common intermediate link, multi-segment replaceable shear link provided a better reasonable failure mode and stable hysteresis behavior. The nonlinear finite element (FE) models of the proposed links using ABAQUS were developed. The results of the FE models were compared in terms of the shear capacity, Mises and PEEQ indexes. Finally, the design recommendations of the multi-segment replaceable shear links were suggested based on the analytical modeling and experimental investigation.