## 6 Conclusions  
This paper proposes a new type of variable-cross-section replaceable link performing in an energy consumption region and applies it in a high-strength eccentrically braced steel frame structure. The existing test models of the replaceable link are simulated by ABAQUS software, and the effects of the variable-section replaceable link on the loading characteristics and seismic performance of the structure are compared and verified. The loading capacity, stiffness, plastic rotation, force mechanism, and other seismic performances of the structure are discussed under cyclic loading. This paper mainly focuses on the effects of length of the energy-consuming region, the steel strength, and the length of the replaceable link on the seismic performance of the structure. The conclusions are shown as follows.  
1. Regarding the replaceable link causing shear-yielding, reducing the length of the energy-consuming region will clearly improve the loading capacity, ductility, and rotational performance of replaceable link, but neither will enhance the stiffness of the structure. The replaceable link should be limited to (0.92-1.17) \(M_{\text{P}}/V_{\text{P}}\) when designing high-strength eccentrically braced steel frame structures with the replaceable link; excessively long energy-consuming regions will not provide better performance.
2. The steel strength of the link and other components presents a significant impact on the mechanical and seismic properties of the structure. Under cyclic loading, with the  
Figure 30: Shear–rotation curves of LC models.  
increasing strength of steel, the ductility coefficient of the structure decreases while the loading capacity of the structure and the rotation of the replaceable link significantly improve; meanwhile, the initial stiffness of various structures is not obvious to the strength of steel. This suggests the application of Q690 for the frame, while Q345 for the replaceable link can present the best seismic performance of the structure.
3. The length of the replaceable link also presents a significant impact on the seismic performance of the structure. The reduction in length will clearly improve the loading capacity, ductility, the plastic rotation of the replaceable link, and the energy dissipation capacity of the structure. Especially, reducing the length of the replaceable link can lead to the increase in the initial stiffness and the decrease in stiffness degradation of the structure. The initial stiffness, bearing capacity, and ductility factor are decreased about 6%, 2.3%-4.9%, and 6%-7%, respectively, when the length of the link increases by 100 mm.  
Conceptualization, S.L. and X.L.; methodology, S.L.; software, B.F.; validation, G.L. and H.X.; writing--original draft preparation, B.F.; writing--review and editing, S.L.; supervision, X.L.; project administration, S.L.; funding acquisition-tion, G.L. and H.X. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.  
This research was funded by [the Project Supported by the Natural Science Basic Research Plan in Shaanxi Province of Chinal] grant number [2020]Q-628 and 2022]Q-555] And The research was funded by [the Postdoctoral Research Foundation of China] grant number [2022M712562], and The research was funded by [Natural Science Foundation of Shaanxi Provincial Department of Education] grant number [21]K0795].  
The authors are grateful for the financial support received from the Project Supported by the Natural Science Basic Research Plan in Shaanxi Province of China (Program No. 2020)Q-628; 2022]Q-555), the Postdoctoral Research Foundation of China (2022M712562), and the Natural Science Foundation of Shaanxi Provincial Department of Education (21)K0795).  
The authors declare no conflict of interest.