###### Abstract  
This study proposes a new energy dissipation connector (NEDC) to connect an external autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) wall panel with an assembled steel frame. To investigate the seismic performance and working mechanism of the NEDC under seismic action, horizontal low-cyclic loading tests were conducted on two sets of steel frames with different connectors using an MTS actuator. Similarly, the seismic performance and working mechanism of the AAC wall panels were elucidated using horizontal low-cyclic loading tests. Test results revealed that the NEDC increased ductility by 10.69-21.12% and energy consumption by 101.14% when compared to those obtained using hook bolt connectors. Overall, the NEDC provides good seismic performance, large deformability, and high energy consumption capacity, thereby rendering it ideal for assembled steel buildings. Furthermore, the NEDC can reduce wall panel damage during earthquake action and enhance the seismic performance of composite frames.  
asembly construction; autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) panel; new energy dissipation connector (NEDC); seismic performance +
Footnote †: journal: Applied sciences  
of cracking and damage caused to the wall panels, thus rendering the structure safer and more stable and preventing disasters [7].  
The most common method for connecting AAC wall panels to assembled steel frames is by using hook bolts as connectors. Hook bolts cannot stabilize the relative displacement between the wall panels and steel frame under high seismic action [8]. [PERSON] et al. improved the hook head bolt connectors to ensure that the AAC wall panels firmly connect with the steel beams [9; 10]. The results proved that the two nodes with sway motion exhibit excellent connection performance under seismic activity. [PERSON] et al. [11] studied the seismic performance of AAC wall panels for engineering applications in the United States. It was found that conventional connection nodes, which are used to connect AAC enclosure panels to main steel frame structures, did not fully meet the in-plane seismic design requirements related to the interlayer displacement angles and safety of the building code. [PERSON] et al. [12] conducted an experimental study and revealed that steel frame structures comprising AAC slats with sway connection (ADR) nodes have good energy consumption capacity, which ensures that AAC walls and steel pipe frames made of concrete are jointly stressed and function safely under seismic effects.  
Based on the abovementioned research, a new energy dissipation connector (NEDC) has been proposed in this study. This connector can significantly improve the deformation capacity of external AAC wall panels in assembled steel frame structures and improve the seismic performance of the overall structure. To verify the effect of the NEDC on the overall structure, two sets of horizontal low-cyclic loading tests have been performed on the AAC wall panels connected with steel frames using different connectors. Subsequently, seismic indexes such as hysteresis and skeleton curves, stiffness degradation laws, ductility, and the energy dissipation capacity of these AAC wall panels are examined.