Cyclic response and failure mode of two-segment replaceable shear link using LYP160 steel

This study introduces a two-segment replaceable shear link using LYP160 steel. The link utilises low-yield-point steel, known for its excellent plastic deformation and energy-dissipation properties. In addition, a mid-plate is designed in the mid-length to minimise residual rotation and enhance energy-dissipation capacity through bolt slip. This design allows for easy disassembly and replacement after seismic events, optimising global seismic energy dissipation by allowing the links to yield before non-energy-consuming structural components. To assess seismic performance, cyclic loading tests and numerical investigations were conducted on a two-segment replaceable shear link featuring two different bolt hole configurations. Observed failure modes included flange buckling, web tearing and flange tearing near the welds of both end plates. The average overstrength coefficient for the links was determined to be 4.05, with a maximum plastic rotation reaching 0.24 rad. Significantly, a substantial portion of the total energy dissipation was attributed to bolt slip within the mid-plate of short-slotted bolt holes. Furthermore, the comparison between test and numerical simulation results indicates that finite-element models can effectively simulate the cyclic response and failure modes observed in the tests.