Dual-Fused H-Frame (DFHF) is a novel steel structural system which consists of prefabricated H-Frames and specially designed and replaceable structural fuses, Welded Wide Flange Fuses (WWFFs) and Buckling Restrained Braces (BRBs). H-Frames are prefabricated in the shop, shipped, and assembled on-site together with the structural fuses to make the on-site construction very fast and efficient. The two designated structural fuses, WWFF and BRB, which are decoupled from gravity system, dissipate the earthquake energy and sacrifice during the earthquake shakings. The use of these detailed structural fuses, eliminates the inelastic deformation and related damage to the main structural members which are beams and columns. This configuration makes the building resilient and functional immediately or shortly after a strong earthquake shaking. Residual drifts are almost eliminated in this system because the elastic response of the surrounding frame will help to recenter the system.
Acknowledgement
This work is being conduced by Hamidreza Etebarian under the supervision of Prof. Tony Yang.