• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.33-47
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• 2022

This paper presents a finite element model for predicting the monotonic behaviour of bolted endplate joints connecting steel-concrete composite walls and steel beams. The demountable Hollo-bolts are utilised to facilitate the quick installation and dismantling for replacement and reuse. In the developed model, material and geometric nonlinearities were included. The accuracy of the developed model was assessed by comparing the numerical results with previous experimental tests on hollow/composite column-to-steel beam joints that incorporated endplates and Hollo-bolts. In particular, the Hollo-bolts were modelled with the expanded sleeves involved, and different material properties of the Hollo-bolt shank and sleeves were considered based on the information provided by the manufacture. The developed models, therefore, can be applied in the present study to simulate the wall-to-beam joints with similar structural components and characteristics. Based on the validated model, the authors herein compared the behaviour of wall-to-beam joints of two commonly utilised composite walling systems (Case 1: flat steel plates with headed studs; Case 2: lipped channel section with partition plates). Considering the ease of manufacturing, onsite erection and the pertinent costs, composite walling system with flat steel plates and conventional headed studs (Case 1) was the focus of present study. Specifically, additional headed studs were pre-welded inside the front wall plates to enhance the joint performance. On this basis, a series of parametric studies were conducted to assess the influences of five design parameters on the behaviour of bolted endplate wall-to-beam joints. The initial stiffness, plastic moment capacity, as well as the rotational capacity of the composite wall-to-beam joints based on the numerical analysis were further compared with the current design provision.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.637-656
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• 2021

The component-based method is widely used to analyze the initial stiffness of joint in steel structures. In this study, an analytical component model for determining the column face stiffness of square or rectangular hollow section (SHS/RHS) subjected to tension was established, focusing on endplate connections. Equations for calculating the stiffness of the SHS/RHS column face in bending were derived through regression analysis using numerical results obtained from a finite element model database. Because the presence of bolt holes decreased the bending stiffness of the column face, this effect was calculated using a novel plate-spring-based model through numerical analysis. The developed component model was first applied to predict the bending stiffness of the SHS column face determined through tests. Furthermore, this model was incorporated into the component-based method with other effective components, e.g., bolts under tension, to determine the tensile stiffness of the T-stub connections, which connects the SHS column, and the initial rotational stiffness of the joints. A comparison between the model predictions, test data, and numerical results confirms that the proposed model shows satisfactory accuracy in evaluating the bending stiffness of SHS column faces.

• 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.33 no.5
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• pp.681-697
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• 2019

This paper numerically assesses the initial stiffness and moment capacity of stainless steel composite bolted joints with concrete-filled circular tubular (CFCT) columns. By comparing with existing design codes including EN 1993-1-8 and AS/NZS 2327, a modified component method was proposed to better predict the flexural performance of joints involving circular columns and curved endplates. The modification was verified with independent experimental results. A wide range of finite element models were then developed to investigate the elastic deformations of column face in bending which contribute to the corresponding stiffness coefficient. A new design formula defining the stiffness coefficient of circular column face in bending was proposed through regression analysis. Results suggest that a factor for the stiffness coefficient of endplate in bending should be reduced to 0.68, and more contribution of prying forces needs to be considered. The modified component method and proposed formula are able to estimate the structural behaviour with reasonable accuracy. They are expected to be incorporated into the current design provisions as supplementary for beam-to-CFCT column joints.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.373-385
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• 2019

This paper presents a useful in-plane structural analysis of low-rise blind-bolted composite frames with semi-rigid joints. Analytical models were used to predict the moment-rotation relationship of the composite beam-to-column flush endplate joints that produced accurate and reliable results. The comparisons of the analytical model with test results in terms of the moment-rotation response verified the robustness and reliability of the model. Abaqus software was adopted to conduct frame analysis considering the material and geometrical non-linearities. The flexural behaviour of the composite frames was studied by applying the lateral loads incorporating wind and earthquake actions according to the Australian standards. A wide variety of frames with a varied number of bays and storeys was analysed to determine the bending moment envelopes under different load combinations. The design models were finalized that met the strength and serviceability limit state criteria. The results from the frame analysis suggest that among lateral loads, wind loads are more critical in Australia as compared to the earthquake loads. However, gravity loads alone govern the design as maximum sagging and hogging moments in the frames are produced as a result of the load combination with dead and live loads alone. This study provides a preliminary analysis and general understanding of the behaviour of low rise, semi-continuous frames subjected to lateral load characteristics of wind and earthquake conditions in Australia that can be applied in engineering practice.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Building Construction Conference
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• 2021.05a
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• pp.12-13
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• 2021

Methods for the manufacture, erection, and assembly of heavy frame modules were proposed. Interferences among precast members were prevented by using bolted metal plates for dry precast beam-to-column joints during assembly with a clearance for tolerance implementing grouted concrete filler plates instead of metal filler plates. Clearances for tolerances were provided to avoid conflictions among components during erection phases. These gaps were, then, grouted by high-strength mortar. The constructability of new connections of a beam-to-column joint using bolted metal plates for precast structures was examined using a full-scale assembly test in which practical observations indicated that members could be aligned and placed accurately in both horizontal and vertical directions, leading to a fast and convenient assembling. Bolt holes of the endplate were properly aligned using couplers with 30 mm fastened length embedded in the columns. The assembly test demonstrated the erection safety and structural stability of the proposed joints that were without filler plates when they were subjected to heavy loads at the time of their erection. The facile and rapid assembly of precast beam-to-column connections with a 30 mm tolerance was observed. The proposed assembly method is rapid, sustainable, and resilient, replacing the conventional methods of concrete frame construction, offering a connection that can be used in constructing infrastructure, such as buildings and pipe-rack frames.