• Steel and Composite Structures
• /
• v.16 no.2
• /
• pp.157-185
• /
• 2014

This paper examines the behaviour of two types of practical open beam-to-tubular column connection details subjected to combined moment, axial and/or shear loads. Detailed continuum finite element models are developed and validated against available experimental results, and extended to deal with flexural, axial and shear load interactions. A numerical investigation is then carried out on the behaviour of selected connections with different stiffness and strength characteristics under various load combination scenarios. The influence of applied levels of axial tensile or compressive loads on the bending stiffness and capacity is examined and discussed. Additionally, the interaction effects between shear forces and co-existing bending and axial loads are examined and shown to be comparatively insignificant in terms of stiffness and capacity in most cases. It is also shown that the range of connections considered in this paper can provide rotational ductility levels in excess of those required under typical design scenarios. Based on these findings, a simplified component-based representation is proposed and described, and its ability to represent the connection response under combined loading is verified using results from detailed numerical simulations.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
• /
• v.60 no.3
• /
• pp.507-527
• /
• 2016

The use of shape memory alloys (SMAs) has been seriously considered in seismic engineering due to their capabilities, such as the ability to tolerate cyclic deformations and dissipate energy. Five 3-D extended end-plate connection models have been created, including one conventional connection and four connections with Nitinol bolts of four different prestress forces. Their cyclic behaviors have been investigated using the finite element method software ANSYS. Subsequently, the moment-rotation responses of the connections have been derived by subjecting them to cyclic loading based on SAC protocol. The results obtained in this research indicate that the conventional connections show residual deformations despite their high ductility and very good energy dissipation; therefore, they cannot be repaired after loading. However, while having good energy dissipation and high ductility, the connections equipped with Nitinol bolts have good recentering capability. Moreover, a connection with the mentioned specifications has been modeled, except that only the external bolts replaced with SMA bolts and assessed for seismic loading. The suggested connection shows high ductility, medium energy dissipation and very good recentering. The main objective of this research is to concentrate the deformations caused by cyclic loading on the connection in order to form super-elastic hinge in the connection by the deformations of the shape memory alloy bolts.

• International Journal of High-Rise Buildings
• /
• v.4 no.1
• /
• pp.45-55
• /
• 2015

The rotation capacity of the moment connections could significantly influence on the seismic performance of steel moment resisting frames. Current seismic provisions require that beam-to-column connections in Intermediate Moment Frames (IMF) should have a drift capacity as large as 0.02 radian. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the rotation capacity of moment connections on the seismic performance of high-rise IMFs. For this purpose, thirty- and forty-story high-rise IMFs were designed according to the current seismic design provisions. The seismic performance of designed model frames was evaluated according to FEMA P695. This study showed that the forty-story IMF satisfied the seismic performance objective specified in FEMA P695 when the rotation capacity of the connections was larger than 0.02. However, thirty-story IMFs satisfied the performance objective when the connection rotation capacity is larger than 0.03.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
• /
• v.23 no.4
• /
• pp.387-407
• /
• 2006

A Genetic Algorithm (hereinafter GA) based optimum design algorithm and program for plane steel frames with partially restrained connections is presented. The algorithm was incorporated with the refined plastic hinge analysis method, in which geometric nonlinearity was considered by using the stability functions of beam-column members and material nonlinearity was considered by using the gradual stiffness degradation model that included the effects of residual stress, moment redistribution by the occurrence of plastic hinges, partially restrained connections, and the geometric imperfection of members. In the genetic algorithm, a tournament selection method and micro-GAs were employed. The fitness function for the genetic algorithm was expressed as an unconstrained function composed of objective and penalty functions. The objective and penalty functions were expressed, respectively, as the weight of steel frames and the constraint functions which account for the requirements of load-carrying capacity, serviceability, ductility, and construction workability. To verify the appropriateness of the present method, the optimum design results of two plane steel frames with fully and partially restrained connections were compared.

• Steel and Composite Structures
• /
• v.19 no.4
• /
• pp.877-895
• /
• 2015

Connections to circular hollow steel sections (CHS) are considered one of the most complex and time consuming connections in steel construction. Such connections are usually composed of gusset plates welded to the outside of the steel tube or penetrating the steel tube. Design guides, accounting for the effect of connection configuration on the strength of the connection, are not present. This study aims to investigate, through experimental testing and a parametric study, the influence of connection configuration on the strength of one sided branch plate-to-CHS members. A notable effect was observed on the behavior of the connections due to its detailing changes with respect to capacity, failure mode, ductility, and stress distribution. A parametric study is performed using the calibrated analytical model to include a wider range of parameters. The study involves 26 numerical analyses of finite element models including parameters of the diameter-to-thickness (D/t) ratio, length of gusset plate, and connection configuration. Accordingly, a modification to the formulas provided by the current design recommendations was suggested to include connection configuration effects for the one sided branch plate-to-CHS members.

• Steel and Composite Structures
• /
• v.23 no.3
• /
• pp.303-315
• /
• 2017

This paper describes the finite element model for predicting the fundamental performance of embedded steel column base connections under monotonic and cyclic loading. Geometric and material nonlinearities were included in the proposed finite element model. Bauschinger and pinching effects were considered in the simulation of embedded column base connections under cyclic loading. The degradation of steel yield strength and accumulation of plastic damage can be well simulated. The accuracy of the finite element model is examined by comparing the predicted results with independent experimental dataset. It is demonstrated that the finite element model accurately predicts the behaviour and failure models of the embedded steel column base connections. The finite element model is extended to carry out evaluations and parametric studies. The investigated parameters include column embedded length, concrete strength, axial load and base plate thickness. Moreover, analytical models for predicting the initial stiffness and bending moment strength of the embedded column base connection were developed. The comparison between results from analytical models and those from experiments and finite element analysis proved the developed analytical model was accurate and conservative for design purposes.

• Steel and Composite Structures
• /
• v.25 no.4
• /
• pp.443-456
• /
• 2017

Many authors have established the usefulness of concrete filled steel tubular (CFST) sections as compression members while few have proved their utility as flexural members. To explore their prospective as part of CFST frame structures, two types of connections using extended end plate and seat angle are proposed for exterior joints of CFST beams and CFST columns. To investigate the performance and failure modes of the proposed bolted connections subjected to static loads, an experimental program has been executed involving ten specimens of exterior beam-to-column joints subjected to monotonically increasing load applied at the tip of beam, the performance is appraised in terms of load deformation behaviour of joints. The test parameters varied are the beam section type, type and diameter of bolts. To validate the experimental behaviour of the proposed connections in CFST beam-column joints, finite element analysis for the applied load has been performed using software ATENA-3D and the results of the proposed models are compared with experimental results. The experimental results obtained agree that the proposed CFST beam-column connections perform in a semi-rigid and partial strength mode as per specification of EC3.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Safety
• /
• v.29 no.2
• /
• pp.12-17
• /
• 2014

This paper is aimed to analyze the characteristics of simultaneous voltage, current and temperature signals for poor connection on electrical connector. In order to attain this purpose, detected were the current and voltage signals on electric wire with series arc, named arc signals, and also monitored were the changes of RMS, instantaneous value of waveform in time domain and temperature value with video. Two states are made normal state over $5kgf{\cdot}cm$ and poor connections state below $0.5kgf{\cdot}cm$ by screw gage. In the voltage signal case, the voltage drop was increased with which the current was increased. In the current signal case, poor connections at the time interval 1~4A all showed "shoulder", as distinct difference from the normal state shown waveform pattern. In the temperature signal case, poor connections are twice at 1A and five times at 4A in the normal state. The temperature continues insulation of electrical wiring and connector can be carbonized. The results of this study will be effectively used in developing the preventive devices and system for electric fire by poor connections.

• Steel and Composite Structures
• /
• v.22 no.1
• /
• pp.25-43
• /
• 2016

This paper presents the results of an experimental study investigating the effects of anchorage systems used in externally bonded steel plates on the strength and ductility of reinforced concrete structures. In the literature, diagonal steel plates bonded to frames were designed to be more flexible than the connections to eliminate the possible effect of the connection flexibility. However, to better evaluate the performance of the strengthened structures, the strength and behavior of connections should also be considered. The purpose of this study was to experimentally investigate the effects of different connection types of steel plates bonded to the frame using anchors on the strengthened RC structures. For this purpose, eleven specimens were designed to simulate the interior and exterior connection behavior. Two of these were used as the control beams and remaining nine for the investigation of the functionality of the end steel plates. Experimental results show that the load carrying capacity of the strengthened beams is directly related to the connection types of the steel plates. For the interior connections, L-shaped end plates that were strengthened using steel anchors must have adequate stiffness to prevent its shape. While, for the exterior connections, the connection with three anchors carried more load than the other exterior connections.

• Steel and Composite Structures
• /
• v.26 no.3
• /
• pp.315-328
• /
• 2018

Built-up Double-I (BD-I) columns consist of two hot rolled IPE sections and two cover plates which are welded by fillet welds. In Iran, this type of column is commonly used in braced frames with simple connections and sometimes in low-rise Moment Resisting Frames (MRF) with Welded Flange Plate (WFP) beam-column detailing. To evaluate the seismic performance of WFP connection of I-beam to BD-I column, traditional and modified exterior MRF connections were tested subjected to cyclic prescribed loading of AISC. Test results indicate that the traditional connection does not achieve the intended behavior while the modified connection can moderately meet the requirements of MRF connection. The numerical models of the connections were developed in ABAQUS finite element software and validated with the test results. For this purpose, moment-rotation curves and failure modes of the tested connections were compared with the simulation results. Moreover to avoid improper failure modes, some improvements of the connections were evaluated through a numerical study.