According to the capacity design method, earthquake resistant structures should have the ability to dissipate energy through dissipative regions, which are expected to yield while the other structural members remain in the elastic field during seismic excitation. The nonlinear response of a proposed bracing system, in which the dissipation of energy relies on a fuse is investigated through experimental tests. Loading on this fuse is a combination of bending moment, axial, and shear load. Results provide useful information on the influence of several design parameters such as the member cross-section compactness, shape and member slenderness. The stability of the moment-rotation hysteresis loops and the energy dissipation is assessed through cyclic tests.

To promote the utilization of the proposed bracing system, the work concludes with design recommendations and highlighting the fuses to be easily replaceable while ensuring ductile system response.