Experimental and theoretical study of replaceable energy-dissipation devices for beam-column joints under cyclic loads

This paper presents two types of metal dampers for beam-column joints based on the replaceability design concept after an earthquake. A low-cyclic loading test of slit/corrugated dampers was conducted, revealing the failure and load-bearing mechanisms. The distribution of shear loads on steel hinges, slit plates, and corrugated plates at varying displacements was examined. A finite element (FE) model incorporating the Chaboche constitutive was established. The influence of geometrical parameters, including the T-stiffened plate, slit plate, and corrugated plate, on the peak bearing capacity and initial stiffness of metal dampers is discussed in detail. The results show that the peak bearing capacity of the damper is negatively correlated with the aspect ratio of the T-stiffening plate, which is recommended to be limited to 1.27. Increasing the thickness of the T-stiffened plate can effectively delay damage to the slit plate and corrugated plate. It is advised that the thickness of the T-stiffened plate should exceed that of the corresponding slit and corrugated plates. Increasing the thickness of corrugated plates from 3mm to 9mm delays buckling and increases initial stiffness by 15.34% and 10.91%, respectively. The skeleton curve model for the metal damper was established, providing both experimental and theoretical references for slit and corrugated metal dampers in engineering applications.