Structural Fuses With Slotted Yielding Regions for Seismic Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional yielding elements in structures designed to accommodate seismic and wind loads require replacement of entire structural components, which is costly and complex, and may lead to incorrect installation due to increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
Structural fuses with a yielding region slidably attached between two rigid attachment regions, allowing preferential yielding to absorb energy and prevent buckling, thus simplifying replacement and reducing installation complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional yielding elements are used to accommodate seismic and wind loads, then the structure can resist severe loads through controlled yielding, but the entire structural component must be replaced after yielding, which is costly and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The structural fuse divides the structural component into distinct segments: a yielding region that can be replaced and attachment regions that remain fixed. This segmentation allows only the yielding region to be replaced after seismic events, rather than the entire structural component, thereby reducing repair complexity and cost while maintaining the structure's ability to resist severe loads through controlled yielding in the fuse element
Solution Approach 2:
The yielding region is extracted as a separate, replaceable component (the fuse) from the main structural element. This extracted yielding region can be easily removed and replaced after yielding, while the main structural elements remain intact. This extraction principle directly addresses the repair complexity issue by isolating the sacrificial element that absorbs seismic energy
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional yielding elements are used, then the structure can accommodate large movements, but the installation complexity increases leading to potential incorrect installation
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the fuse into a yielding region and attachment regions with distinct functions, the design simplifies installation procedures. The attachment regions are designed for straightforward connection to structural elements, while the yielding region is positioned to automatically provide the required movement accommodation. This segmentation reduces installation complexity compared to conventional integrated yielding elements
Solution Approach 2:
The yielding region is designed as a disposable, replaceable component that absorbs seismic energy through controlled yielding. This sacrificial element is intentionally designed to fail in a predictable manner, protecting the main structural elements. The simplicity of this disposable fuse design reduces installation complexity compared to conventional yielding elements that require precise installation to ensure proper yielding behavior
3Strength
If the yielding region is rigidly attached to structural elements, then the connection is strong, but buckling may occur during yielding
Solution Approach 1:
The yielding region employs a dynamic connection system with slots and moveable attachments rather than rigid fixed connections. This dynamic design allows the yielding region to move relative to the structural elements during yielding, accommodating deformation without inducing buckling. The slots provide guided movement paths that maintain connection strength while preventing the harmful buckling effect
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed to structural fuses, structures including the same, and methods of using and forming the same. In an embodiment, a structural fuse is disclosed. The structural fuse includes a first attachment region defining one or more first bolt holes, a second attachment region defining one or more second bolt holes, and a yielding region between the first attachment region and the second attachment region. The yielding region defines one or more slots exhibiting an elongated shape.