DuraFuse Frames products are the only resilient, fully-restrained steel moment frame connection.
This ingenious frame design uses replaceable fuse plates to dissipate seismic energy which protects beams and columns, making buildings more resilient. After a major seismic event, only the bolted fuse plate is replaced meaning significantly lower repair costs and substantially less downtime. DuraFuse Frames systems meet all high-ductility moment frame performance standards and are more economical than standard prequalified moment connections.
What’s different about DuraFuse Frames? Other moment frame systems are designed to sacrifice the beams during severe earthquakes, making them difficult or impossible to repair. The bottom flange fuse plate protects the beams and columns (ZERO damage to beams and columns) and is the ONLY part to be replaced after a severe earthquake with NO need to replace following lesser events.
How do DuraFuse Frames systems work? The fully restrained connections are undamaged for wind and moderate earthquakes. During severe earthquakes, inelastic deformations are accommodated by shear yielding of the fuse plate and bolt slip.