Mechanical connections are often the only source of ductile behaviour in mass-timber systems. This paper presents an experimental study on using perforated steel plates as a dissipating energy device, also called a seismic fuse, to enhance the structural performance of mass timber systems during extreme loading events. A target application of the perforated plate connection is in braced timber frames. Six perforation patterns were developed based on preceding experimental and numerical studies and tested under cyclic loads. These different patterns targeting one or multiple yielding mechanisms: shear, axial (tension and compression), and bending. The hysteresis performance and failure mechanism of the perforated plate systems showed that the selected patterns provided reliable yield mechanisms and that damage to timber elements can be avoided when the fuses are combined with capacity-protected dowel-type fasteners. In addition, the results of cyclic tests demonstrated sufficient ductility and ultimate displacement for specific patterns, e.g., specimens with long oval perforations, to achieve the desired energy dissipation.
