• Journal of Korean Society of Steel Construction
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.191-204
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• 2014

In this paper a systematic numerical analysis is performed to obtain the bending moment resisting capacity of a top and seat angle connection, which is a type of partially restrained connection, for a CFT composite frame subjected to cyclic loading. This partially restrained composite CFT connections are fabricated using high strength steel connection bar. The three-dimensional nonlinear finite element models are constructed to investigate the rotational stiffness, bending moment capacity, and failure modes. A wide scope of additional structural behaviors explain the different influences of the top and seat angle connection's parameters, such as the different thickness of connection angles and the gage distances of the high strength steel bar. The moment-rotation angle relationships obtained from the finite element analysis are compared with those from Richard's theoretical equation.

• Journal of Korean Society of Steel Construction
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.547-555
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• 2011

An unstiffened top and seat angle connection is a type of partially restrained connection that is suitable for low- and medium-rise steel buildings. The plastic moment resisting capacity of such connection is needed in practical design, in addition to the accurate prediction of the initial rotational stiffness. Therefore, most of the studies conducted for the mentioned connections were performed to predict the initial stiffness and the plastic moment resisting capacity with varying geometric properties. The main parameters of such experimental tests were the thickness and high-strength bolt gauge distance of AISC LRFD-type A top and seat angle connections. Based on the test results, the analytical model was also proposed in this study. The applicability of the proposed model was verified by comparing the test results from this study with those of other studies.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.201-214
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• 2001

Four finite element (FE) models are examined to find the one that best estimates moment-rotation characteristics of top- and seat-angle with double web-angle connections. To efficiently simulate the real behavior of connections, finite element analyses are performed with following considerations: 1) all components of connection (beam, column, angles and bolts) are discretized by eight-node solid elements; 2) shapes of bolt shank, head, and nut are precisely taken into account in modeling; and 3) contact surface algorithm is applied as boundary condition. To improve accuracy in predicting moment-rotation behavior of a connection, bolt pretension is introduced before the corresponding connection moment being surcharged. The experimental results are used to investigate the applicability of FE method and to check the performance of three-parameter power model by making comparison among their moment-rotation behaviors and by assessment of deformation and stress distribution patterns at the final stage of loading. This research exposes two important features: (1) the FE method has tremendous potential for connection modeling for both monotonic and cyclic loading; and (2) the power model is able to predict moment-rotation characteristics of semi-rigid connections with acceptable accuracy.

• 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.29 no.6
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• pp.423-434
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• 2017

In this paper a systematic numerical analysis is performed to obtain the hysteresis behavior of partially restrained top and seat angle connections subjected to cyclic loading. This connection includes superelastic shape memory alloy (SMA) angles and rods in order to secure the recentering capacities as well as proper energy dissipation effects of a CFT composite frame. The three-dimensional nonlinear finite element models are constructed to investigate the rotational stiffness, bending moment capacity and failure modes. A wide scope of additional structural behaviors explain the different influences of the connection's parameters, such as the various thickness of connection angles and the gage distance of steel and SMA rods.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.383-399
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• 2021

In the study, three 1:3-scale unequal span steel-concrete composite substructures with top-seat angle and double web angle connection were designed and identified as specimens GTSDWA-0.6, GTSDWA-1.0, and GTSDWA-1.4. Pseudo-static tests and refined numerical model analysis were conducted to examine the anti-progressive collapse performance of a semi-rigid steel-concrete composite substructure. The results indicated that the failure modes of the three specimens revealed that the fracture occurred in the root of the long leg of the top/seat angle in tension at the connection. With increases in the span ratio of the left and right composite beams, the bearing capacities of the composite substructures decreased, and the corresponding displacement increased. With respect to GTSDWA-0.6 and GTSDWA-1.4, the resistance due to the short composite beam corresponded to 62% and 60%, respectively, and the total resistance provided by the short composite beam exceeded that of the long composite beam. With respect to GTSDWA-1.0, the resistance due to the left and right composite beams was similar. All three specimens underwent the flexure mechanism and flexure-axial mixed mechanism stages. They resisted the external load mainly via the flexure mechanism. Moreover, the addition of stiffeners on both sides of the top and seat angles is advantageous in terms of improving the collapse resistance and ductility of unequal span composite substructures.

• Journal of Korean Society of Steel Construction
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.595-606
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• 2011

This study was conducted to investigate the seismic behavior of steel member resisting frames considering the relative stiffness of the connection and beams. Six-story steel moment frames were designed to study the seismic behavior. The connections were classified into Double Web-Angle connections (DWAs), Top- and Seat-angles with double Web-angles (TWSs), FEMA-Test Summary No. 28, Specimen ID: UCSD-6 (SAC), and Fully Restrained (FR). The rotational stiffness of the semi-rigid connections was estimated using the Three-Parameter Power Model adopted by Chen and Kishi. The relative stiffness, which is the ratio of the rotational stiffness of the connections to the stiffness of the beams, was used. Push-over, repeated loading, and time history analysis were performed for all the frames. The seismic behavior of each frame was analyzed with the story drift, plastic hinge rotation, and hysteretic energy distribution.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.15-26
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• 2020

The top-and-seat angles with double web angles are commonly used in the design of beam-to-column joints in Asian and North American countries. The seismic behavior analysis of these joints with large cross-section size of beam and column (often connected by four or more bolts) is a challenge due to the effects from the relatively larger size of stiffened angles and the composite action from the adjacent concrete slab. This paper presents an experimental investigation on the seismic performance of exterior composite beam-to-column joints with stiffened angles under cyclic loading. Four full-scale composite joints with different configuration (only one specimen contain top angle in concrete slab) were designed and tested. The joint specimens were designed by considering the effects of top angles, longitudinal reinforcement bars and arrangement of bolts. The behavior of the joints was carefully investigated, in terms of the failure modes, slippage, backbone curves, strength degradation, and energy dissipation abilities. It was found that the slippage between top-and-seat angles and beam flange, web angle and beam web led to a notable pinching effect, in addition, the ability of the energy dissipation was significantly reduced. The effect of anchored beams on the behavior of the joints was limited due to premature failure in concrete, the concrete slab that closes to the column flange and upper flange of beam plays an significant role when the joint subjected to the sagging moment. It is demonstrated that the ductility of the joints was significantly improved by the staggered bolts and welded longitudinal reinforcement bars.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.67-78
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• 2018

The application of rib stiffeners is common on steel connections, with regard to the stiffened angle connection, experimental results about the influence of stiffeners under monotonic and cyclic loading are very limited. Consequently, this paper presents the experimental investigation on four types angle connections with or without stiffener under static loading and another four type stiffened angle connections subjected to cyclic loading. The static experimental result showed that the rib stiffener weld in tension zone of the connection greatly enhanced its initial rotational stiffness and flexural strength. While a stiffener was applied to the compression zone of the connection, it had not obvious influences on the initial rotational stiffness, but increased its flexural strength. The moment-rotation curves, skeleton curves, ductility, energy dissipation and rigidity were evaluated under cyclic loading. Stiffened top-and-seat angle connections behaved as semi-rigid and partial strength, and rotation of all stiffened angle connections exceeded 0.04rad. The failure modes between monotonic and cyclic loading test were completely different and indicated certain robustness.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.23-43
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• 2010

In this paper, a nonlinear model is developed using the component method in order to represent the response of steel connections under various loading conditions and temperature variations. The model is capable of depicting the behaviour of a number of typical connection types including endplate forms (extended and flush) and angle configurations (double web, top and seat, and combined top-seat-web) in both steel and composite framed structures. The implementation is undertaken within the finite element program ADAPTIC, which accounts for material and geometric nonlinearities. Verification of the proposed connection model is carried out by comparing analytical simulations with available results of isolated joint tests for the ambient case, and isolated joint as well as sub-frame tests for elevated temperature conditions. The findings illustrate the reliability and efficiency of the proposed model in capturing the stiffness and strength properties of connections, hence highlighting the adequacy of the component approach in simulating the overall joint behaviour at elevated temperature.