• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.147-160
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• 2002

This paper summarises results of the research performed at the Department of Steel Structures and Structural Mechanics from the "Politehnica" University of Timisoara, Romania, in order to evaluate the performance of beam-to-column extended end plate connections for steel and composite joints. It comprises laboratory tests on steel and composite joints, and numerical modelling of joints, based on tests. Tested joints are double-sided, with structural elements realised of welded steel sections. The columns are of cruciform cross-section, while the beams are of I section. Both monotonic and cyclic loading, symmetrically and antisymmetrically, has been applied. On the basis of tested joints, a refined computer model has been calibrated using a special connection element of the computer code DRAIN 2DX. In this way, a static/dynamic structural analysis of framed structures with real characteristics of the beam to column joints is possible.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.143-162
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• 2019

A number of desirable characteristics concerning excellent durability, aesthetics, recyclability, high ductility and fire resistance have made stainless steel a preferred option in engineering practice. However, the relatively high initial cost has greatly restricted the application of stainless steel as a major structural material in general construction. This drawback can be partially overcome by introducing composite stainless steel-concrete structures, which provides a cost-efficient and sustainable solution for future stainless steel construction. This paper presents a preliminary numerical study on stainless steel-concrete composite beam-to-column joints with bolted flush endplates. In order to ensure a consistent corrosion resistance within the whole structural system, all structural steel components were designed with austenitic stainless steel, including beams, columns, endplates, bolts, reinforcing bars and shear connectors. A finite element model was developed using ABAQUS software for composite beam-to-column joints under monotonic and symmetric hogging moments, while validation was performed based on independent test results. A parametric study was subsequently conducted to investigate the effects of several critical factors on the behaviour of composite stainless steel joints. Finally, comparisons were made between the numerical results and the predictions by current design codes regarding the plastic moment capacity and the rotational stiffness of the joints. It was concluded that the present codes of practice generally overestimate the rotational stiffness and underestimate the plastic moment resistance of stainless steel-concrete composite joints.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.8 no.5
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• pp.403-421
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• 2008

The design provisions for semi-rigid steel frames have been incorporated in codes of practice for steel structures. In order to do the same, it is necessary to know the experimental moment-relative rotation (M-${\theta}_r$) behaviour of beam-to-column connections. In spite of numerous publications and collection of several connection databases, there is no unified approach for the semi-rigid design of steel frames. Amongst the many connection models available, the Frye-Morris polynomial model, with its limitations reported in the literature, is simple to adopt at least for the linear design space. However this model requires more number of connection tests and regression analyses to make it a realistic prediction model. In this paper, 3D nonlinear finite element (FE) analysis of beam-column connection specimens, carried out using ABAQUS software, for evaluating the M-${\theta}_r$ behaviour of semi-rigid top and seat-angle (TSA) bolted connections are described. The finite element model is validated against experimental behaviour of the same connection with regard to their moment-rotation behaviour, stress distribution and mode of failure of the connections. The calibrated FE model is used to evaluate the performance of the Frye-Morris polynomial model. The results of the numerical parametric studies carried out using the validated FE model have been used in proposing modifications to the Frye-Morris model for TSA connection in terms of the powers of the size parameters.

• Journal of Korean Society of Steel Construction
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• v.20 no.6
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• pp.691-700
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• 2008

Contemporary architectural structures have diverse and complex forms. Such structural variety demands requisite performance from the connections in the steel structure so that the latter could resist a horizontal force, such as an earthquake. The connections are the all-important components that create the discontinuous form and that support stress concentration, determining the stiffness and toughness of the entire steel frame. In this study, a real-scale column-to-beam connection was constructed in the 600MPa-grade high-strength and high-performance steel, to test its behavior. Its material and welding characteristics were examined in this study, and its structural performance was analyzed by conducting seismic-resistance tests on the full-scale, cross-shaped column-to-beam welded connections with non-scallop, ordinary-scallop, and reinforced-scallop details. The weld ability of the high-strength, high-performance steel was also evaluated, and data regarding the seismic design for practical application were provided.

• Journal of Korean Society of Steel Construction
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• v.11 no.2 s.39
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• pp.241-241
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• 1999

The analysis and design of steel frames are usually carried out under the assumption that the connections of beam-to-column are either fully rigid or ideally pinned. However the connections actually show semi-rigid behavior in many cases. The authors investigated the structural behavior of simi-rigid connection with reformed T-stub by using of SM490 steel. The objective of the study is to investigate the structural behavior of the beam-to-column semi-rigid connection with reformed T-stub, which is made of SS400 steel. The beam-to-column connections by using reformed T-stubs were tested under monotonic loading and cyclic loading condition. The possibility of application of semi-rigid connections with reformed T-stubs was ascertained from test results.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.1 no.3
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• pp.269-282
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• 2001

In this paper the results of an experimental program devoted to the assessment of the cyclic behaviour of full scale, European type, beam-column subassemblages with welded connections are presented. Six tests (five cyclic and one monotonic) have been carried out on three different series of specimens, encompassing a total of eighteen tests. The three specimen series have been designed with the aim of defining the effect of the column size on the connection behaviour, under different applied loading histories. The tests have evidenced the effect of the column size and panel zone design and of the applied loading history on the cyclic behaviour and failure modes of the connections.

• Journal of the Earthquake Engineering Society of Korea
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• v.3 no.4
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• pp.33-46
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• 1999

In spite of 6.8 magnitude and the neighborhood of the epicenter, the steel moment frame survived after Northridge earthquake without collapse or casualties. However, following investigation revealed that there were severe damages at the column-weld interface of welded flange-bolted web (WFBW) steel moment connection, which was believed to be economic and safe from earthquakes based on experience and past tests. In this paper, this unexpected brittle fracture of the steel moment connection is explored using linear elastic fracture mechanics and post-Northridge tests. A method to predict the brittle fracture strength of the steel moment connection is proposed. Using this method, the failure mode of the WFBW connection and reduced beam section (RBS) connection are presented.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.61 no.4
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• pp.527-538
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• 2017

The evaluation of the loss-of-support conditions of frictional beam-to-column connections using simplified numerical models describing the transverse response of a portal-like structure is presented in this paper considering the effects of the seismic-hazard disaggregation. Real earthquake time histories selected from European Strong-motion Database (ESD) are used to show the effects of the seismic-hazard disaggregation on the beam loss-of-support conditions. Seismic events are classified according to different values of magnitudes, epicentral distances and soil conditions (stiff or soft soil) highlighting the importance of considering the characteristics of the seismic input in the assessment of the loss-of-support conditions of frictional beam-to-column connections. A rigid and an elastic model of a frame of a precast industrial building (2-DoF portal-like model) are presented and adopted to find the minimum required friction coefficient to avoid sliding. Then, the mean value of the minimum required friction coefficient with an epicentral distance bin of 10 km is calculated and fitted with a linear function depending on the logarithm of the epicentral distance. A complete parametric analysis varying the horizontal and vertical period of vibration of the structure is performed. Results show that the loss-of-support condition is strongly influenced by magnitude, epicentral distance and soil conditions determining the frequency content of the earthquake time histories and the correlation between the maxima of the horizontal and vertical components. Moreover, as expected, dynamic characteristics of the structure have also a strong influence. Finally, the effect of the column nonlinear behavior (i.e. formation of plastic hinges at the base) is analyzed showing that the connection and the column are a series system where the maximum force is limited by the element having the minimum strength. Two different longitudinal reinforcement ratios are analyzed demonstrating that the column strength variation changes the system response.

• Journal of Korean Society of Steel Construction
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• v.9 no.4 s.33
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• pp.611-623
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• 1997

This paper provides the results of an experimental and analytical study performed on the beam to Concrete Filled Circular Steel Column connections with the external stiffener rings under the gravity loads. Specimens are modeled as a 1/4 scale of the beam-columns as gravity loads are applied to a multi-story frame. Important parameters in this study are the width of the external rings, the diameter-thickness ratios of column and whether or not the external rings are welded to the circular column. A total of 20 specimens are tested to clarify the structural behavior of the CFT column connections with the external stiffener rings. The test results are summarized for the yield and maximum strength and stiffness. The existing design equations for the allowable and yield load capacities are referred to verify the structural characteristics for the connections.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.307-321
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• 2020

The slim-floor solution provides an efficient alternative to the classic slab-over-beam configuration due to architectural and structural benefits. Two deficiencies can be identified in the current state-of-art: (i) the technique is limited to nonseismic applications and (ii) the lack of information on moment-resisting slim-floor beam-to-column joints. In the seismic design of framed structures, continuous beam-to-column joints are required for plastic hinges to form at the ends of the beams. The present paper proposes a slim-floor technical solution capable of expanding the current application of slim-floor joints to seismic-resistant composite construction. The proposed solution relies on a moment-resisting connection with a thick end-plate and large-diameter bolts, which are used to fulfill the required strength and stiffness characteristics of continuous connections, while maintaining a reduced height of the configuration. Considering the proposed novel solution and the variety of parameters that could affect the behavior of the joint, experimental and numerical validations are compulsory. Consequently, the current paper presents the experimental and numerical investigation of two slim-floor beam-to-column joint assemblies. The results are discussed in terms of moment-rotation curves, available rotational capacity and failure modes. The study focuses on developing reliable slim-floor beam joints that are applicable to steel building frame structures located in seismic regions.