Cyclic Behavior of U-Shaped Flexural Plates for Their Implementation in Multidirectional Energy Dissipation Devices

U-shaped flexural plates (UFPs) are promising components for seismic energy dissipation due to their ability to undergo stable plastic deformation under cyclic loading. This study investigates their cyclic behavior through a combination of experimental testing and finite element simulations, focusing on their application in multidirectional damping systems. Key response parameters such as hysteretic behavior, energy dissipation, stiffness degradation, fatigue life, and the effect of loading direction were analyzed. The results demonstrate that UFPs provide reliable hysteretic behavior and maintain mechanical integrity over repeated cycles. The cyclic response was found to be strongly influenced by plate thickness, aspect ratio, and material yield strength. Based on these findings, this work proposes predictive equations for estimating strength, stiffness, fatigue life, and hysteretic damping of UFPs. Additionally, a simplified design procedure is presented for evaluating the strength and stiffness of multidirectional damping systems incorporating UFPs, with potential applications in bridges, buildings, and other structures exposed to complex seismic loading conditions.