• Journal of Korean Society of Steel Construction
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.77-85
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• 2018

A through diaphragm is often used to ensure their stiffness for moment-resisting connections using rectangular steel-tube column and H-shaped beam. The through-diaphragm connections, however, have some difficulties for their applicabilities to the field due to the complexity of the fabrication and construction processes. This study thus proposes a new modular system of steel structures assembled only using bolts without welding, by bringing a connection module composed of rectangular steel-tube column, H-shaped beam and oneway bolt onto the site. An experimental study to evaluate the seismic performance of the proposed connection details based on the new modular system is then conducted. The length and type of the inner reinforcement plate are considered as the primary design parameters, and the strength, stiffness, ductility and energy dissipation capability of the new connections are experimentally analyzed by comparison to those of conventional through diaphragm connections.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.227-241
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• 2020

An experimental study has been carried out to investigate the effect of beam to column connection rigidity on the behavior of infilled steel frames. Five half scale, single-story and single-bay specimens, including four infilled frames, as well as, one bare frame, were tested under in-plane lateral cyclic reversal loading. The connections of beam to column for bare frame as well as two infill specimens were rigid, whereas those of others were pinned. For each frame type, two different infill panels were considered: (1) masonry infill, (2) masonry infill strengthened with shotcrete. The experimental results show that the infilled frames with pinned connections have less stiffness, strength and potential of energy dissipation compared to those with rigid connections. Furthermore, the validity of analytical methods proposed in the literature was examined by comparing the experimental data with analytical ones. It is shown that the analytical methods overestimate the stiffness of infilled frame with pinned connections; however, the strength estimation of both infilled frames with rigid and pinned connections is acceptable.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.4 no.6
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• pp.453-469
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• 2004

In this article, a genetic algorithm based optimum design method is presented for non-linear steel frames with semi-rigid connections. The design algorithm obtains the minimum weight frame by selecting suitable sections from a standard set of steel sections such as European wide flange beams (i.e., HE sections). A genetic algorithm is employed as optimization method which utilizes reproduction, crossover and mutation operators. Displacement and stress constraints of Turkish Building Code for Steel Structures (TS 648, 1980) are imposed on the frame. The algorithm requires a large number of non-linear analyses of frames. The analyses cover both the non-linear behaviour of beam-to-column connection and $P-{\Delta}$ effects of beam-column members. The Frye and Morris polynomial model is used for modelling of semi-rigid connections. Two design examples with various type of connections are presented to demonstrate the application of the algorithm. The semi-rigid connection modelling results in more economical solutions than rigid connection modelling, but it increases frame drift.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.431-451
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• 2013

The Big Bang-Big Crunch (BB-BC) optimization algorithm is developed for optimal design of non-linear steel frames with semi-rigid beam-to-column connections. The design algorithm obtains the minimum total cost which comprises total member plus connection costs by selecting suitable sections. Displacement and stress constraints together with the geometry constraints are imposed on the frame in the optimum design procedure. In addition, non-linear analyses considering the P-${\Delta}$ effects of beam-column members are performed during the optimization process. Three design examples with various types of connections are presented and the results show the efficiency of using semi-rigid connection models in comparing to rigid connections. The obtained optimum semi-rigid frames are more economical solutions and lead to more realistic predictions of response and strength of the structure.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.64 no.1
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• pp.109-120
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• 2017

The behavior of moment resistant steel structures depends on both the beam-column connections and columns foundations connections. Obviously, if the connections can meet the adequate ductility and resistance against lateral loads, the seismic capacity of these structures will be linked practically to the performance of these connections. The shape memory alloys (SMAs) have been most recently used as a means of energy dissipation in buildings. The main approach adopted by researchers in the use of such alloys is firstly bracing, and secondly connecting the beams to columns. Additionally, the behavior of these alloys is modeled in software applications rarely involving equivalent torsional springs and column-foundation connections. This paper attempts to introduce the shape memory alloys and their applications in steel structural connections, proposing a new steel column-foundation connection, not merely a theoretical model but practically a realistic and applicable model in structures. Moreover, it entails the same functionality as macro modeling software based on real behavior, which can use different materials to establish a connection between the columns and foundations. In this paper, the suggested steel column-foundation connection was introduced. Moreover, exploring the seismic dynamic behavior under cyclic loading protocols and the famous earthquake records with different materials such as steel and interconnection equipment by superelastic shape memory alloys have been investigated. Then, the results were compared to demonstrate that such connections are ideal against the seismic behavior and energy dissipation.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.691-706
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• 2004

The paper presents shear lag parameters for beam-to-column connections in steel box piers. Previous researches have analyzed beam-to-column connections in steel piers using a shear lag parameter ${\eta}_o$ obtained from a simple beam model, which is not based on a reasonable design assumption. Instead, the current paper proposes a cantilever beam model and has proved the effectiveness through theoretical and experimental studies. The paper examines the inaccuracy of the previous researches by estimating the effective width, the width-span length ratio L/b, and the sectional area ratio S of a cantilever beam. Two different shear lag parameters are defined using the cantilever model and the results are compared each other. The first type of shear lag parameter ${\eta}_c$ of a cantilever beam is derived using additional moments from various stress distribution functions while the other shear lag parameter ${\eta}_{eff}$ of a cantilever beam is defined based on the concept of the effective width. An evaluation method for shear lag stresses has been investigated by comparing analytical stresses with test results. Through the study, it could be observed that the shear lag parameter ${\eta}_{eff}$ agrees with ${\eta}_c$ obtained from the $2^{nd}$ order stress distribution function. Also, it could be observed that the shear lag parameter ${\eta}_c$ using the $4^{th}$ order stress distribution function almost converges to the upper bound of test results.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.271-280
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• 2019

In this paper, numerical and experimental assessments have been conducted in order to investigate the capability of using CFRP for the seismic capacity improvement and relocation of plastic hinge in reinforced concrete connections. Two scaled down exterior reinforced concrete beam to column connections have been used. These two connections from a strengthened moment frame have been tested under uniformly distributed load before and after optimization. The results of experimental tests have been used to verify the accuracy of numerical modeling using computational ABAQUS software. Application of FRP plate on the web of the beam in connections to improve its capacity is of interest in this paper. Several parametric studies were carried out for CFRP reinforced samples, with different lengths and thicknesses in order to relocate the plastic hinge away from the face of the column.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.38 no.5
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• pp.497-521
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• 2021

In this study, an effective numerical method is introduced for nonlinear inelastic analyses of rectangular concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) frames for the first time. A steel-concrete composite fiber beam-column element model is developed that considers material, and geometric nonlinearities, and residual stresses. This is achieved by using stability functions combined with integration points along the element length to capture the spread of plasticity over the composite cross-section along the element length. Additionally, a multi-spring element with a zero-length is employed to model the nonlinear semi-rigid beam-to-column connections in CFST frame models. To solve the nonlinear equilibrium equations, the generalized displacement control algorithm is adopted. The accuracy of the proposed method is firstly verified by a large number of experiments of CFST members subjected to various loading conditions. Subsequently, the proposed method is applied to investigate the nonlinear inelastic behavior of rectangular CFST frames with fully rigid, semi-rigid, and hinged connections. The accuracy of the predicted results and the efficiency pertaining to the computation time of the proposed method are demonstrated in comparison with the ABAQUS software. The proposed numerical method may be efficiently utilized in practical designs for advanced analysis of the rectangular CFST structures.

• Journal of Korean Society of Steel Construction
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.445-454
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• 2008

Based on previous research on steel moment connections, experimental and analytical results showed that the deformation capacity was poor in specimens using RHS columns and with conventional weld access holes and strain concentration at the end of beam is influenced by the efficiency in transmitting the moment in the web of beam through the beam-to-column joint. This paper is focused on the retrofitting of pre-Kobe steel moment frame connections using a stiffened RBS and a welded horizontal stiffener. These retrofitting methods were considered only in beam bottom flange. A parametric study was performed using nonlinear finite element analysis to elucidate and improve the retrofit methods of connections.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.277-309
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• 2013

Beam-to-column connections behaviour plays an important role in the analysis and design of steel and precast concrete structures. The paper presents a computer-based method for geometrically nonlinear frames with semi-rigid beam-to-column connections. The analytical procedure employs modified stability functions to model the effect of axial force on the stiffness of members. The member modified stiffness matrix, and the modified fixed end forces for various loads were found. The linear and nonlinear analyses were applied for two planar steel structures. The method is readily implemented on a computer using matrix structural analysis techniques and is applicable for the efficient nonlinear analysis of frameworks.