Yield-Link® Brace Connection YLBC

Ensure a highly resilient steel structure with the Yield-Link brace connection (YLBC) from Simpson Strong-Tie®. The YLBC employs replaceable steel fuses in the brace-to-gusset connection as the primary source of energy dissipation, thus protecting the steel beam, column, brace and connections. The fuse plates have a unique geometry that can accommodate large inelastic deformations in both compression and tension. Pairs of fuse plates may be combined on each side of the gusset plate to incrementally increase the capacity of the brace-to-gusset connection. The predefined combinations of fuse plates, U-shims and cover plates are referred to as Fuse Configuration Kits. The YLBC is simple for designers to incorporate into new builds or retrofits, fast and easy to install, and complements structures already using the Yield-Link moment connection. It also helps reduce testing and inspection costs and requires no field welding. Like all of our structural steel solutions, the YLBC comes with advanced software to help streamline design and detailing and is backed by our expert on-call technical and field support.