| U-Shaped Flexural Plates (UFPs) are known for their exceptional energy absorption and
dissipation phenomena, which can be axial, shear, or flexural. Additionally, additive
manufacturing (AM) offers a novel alternative to conventional manufacturing (CM) processes that
can provide excellent precision and design flexibility. This study evaluates the seismic
performance through quasi-static cyclic loading of single and double UFP configuration fabricated
from 316 L stainless steel (SS) using Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) and cold-rolled steel plate.
Testing was conducted by AISC specification to access force-displacement (F-D), energy
dissipation, and failure patterns.
AM fabricated UFP specimens demonstrated superior stiffness and energy dissipation
across single and double UFP configurations, highlighting its effectiveness in resisting
deformation. In contrast, CM-fabricated UFPs demonstrated greater ductility and more prolonged
cycles before failure. Furthermore, tensile tests on the dog-bone specimens were conducted to
characterize the mechanical properties of the material and design loading protocol for the UFP
tests.
The complementary characteristics of AM and CM UFPs could provide a broader scope
for tailored applications in seismic energy dissipation. However, AM UFPs can be further
improved by optimizing the printing parameters according to their application.
Keywords: U-Shaped Flexural Plates (UFPs); Additive Manufacturing (AM); ForceDisplacement(F-D); LPBF (Laser Powder Bed Fusion); Quasi-static Cyclic Loading; Energy
Dissipation; 316L Stainless Steel, LPBF |