• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.1-21
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• 2022

In the structural analysis of steel frames, joints are generally considered as rigid or hinged considering their moment transfer ability. However, the first studies conducted with the beginning of the 20th century showed that the joints do not actually fit these two definitions. In reality, a joint behaves between these two extreme points and is called semi-rigid. Including the actual state of the joint in the structural analysis provides significant economic advantages, so the subject is an intense field of study today. However, it does not find enough application area in practice. For this reason, a large-scale literature published from the first studies on the subject to the present has been examined within the scope of the study. Three important points have been identified in order to examine a joint realistically; modelling the load-displacement relationship, performing the structural analysis and how to design. Joint modelling methods were grouped under 7 main headings as analytical, empirical, mechanical, numerical, informational, hybrid and experimental. In addition to the moment-rotation, other important external load effects like axial force, shear and torsion were considered. Various evaluations were made to expand the practical application area of semi-rigid connections by examining analysis methods and design approaches. Dynamic behaviour was also included in the study, and besides column-beam connections, other important connection types such as beam-beam, column-beam-cross, base connection were also examined in this paper.

• Journal of Korean Society of Steel Construction
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• v.15 no.5 s.66
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• pp.551-559
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• 2003

In steel frames, the analysis and design techniques are based on either idealized fixed or pinned connections. In this case, it has the advantage that the structural analysis and the design procedure were simplified, but there could be given different results of analysis between the real steel frame connections and the idealized fixed and pinned connection. This is because the real connections would be analyzed by semi-rigid, and have some transfer of moment and rotational constraint about the loads. In this study, structural analysis program with considered connections that have joint rigidity of fixed, pinned and semi-rigid, was developed. Then, the effects of joint rigidity on strength and displacement. in steel frames subjected to lateral forces and axial forces, were investigate, and the results were compared with those of the Midas Gen. w program.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.161-184
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• 2007

The use of composite semi-rigid connections is not fully exploited, in spite of its great number of advantages. Composite semi-rigid connections may lead to an optimal moment distribution that will render lighter structures. Furthermore, using the appropriate semi-rigid connection design, the stability of the frames against lateral loads may entirely rely on the joint stiffness, thus avoiding bracing systems and permitting more diaphanous designs. Although modern codes, such as the Eurocode 4 (EC4), propose thorough methods of analysis they do not provide enough insight and simplicity from the design point of view. The purpose of this paper is to introduce practical and efficient methods of analysis that will facilitate the work of a structural analyst starting from the global analysis of the composite frame and ending on the final connection design. A key aspect is the definition of the stiffness and strength of the connections that will lead to an optimal moment distribution in the composite beams. Two examples are presented in order to clarify the application of the proposed methods and to demonstrate the advantages of the semi-rigid composite design with respect to the alternative pinned and rigid ones. The final aim of the paper is to stimulate and encourage the designer on the use of composite semi-rigid structures.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.469-486
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• 2016

Codes EN 1993 and EN 1994 require to take into account actual joint characteristics in the global analysis. In order to implement the semi-rigid connection effects in frame design, knowledge of joint rotation characteristics ($M-{\phi}$ relationship), or at least three basic joint properties, namely the moment resistance $M_R$, the rotational stiffness $S_j$ and rotation capacity, is required. To avoid expensive experimental tests many methods for predicting joint parameters were developed. The paper presents a comprehensive analytical model that has been developed for predicting the moment resistance $M_R$, initial stiffness $S_{j.ini}$ and rotation capacity of the minor axis, composite, semi-rigid joint. This model is based on so-called component method included in EN 1993 and EN 1994. Comparison with experimental test results shows that a quite good agreement was achieved. A computer program POWZ containing proposed procedure were created. Based on the numerical simulation made with the use of this program and applying regression analysis, simplified equations for main joint properties were also developed.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.213-230
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• 2001

This paper presents a simplified approach for the design of semi-continuous composite beams in braced frames, where specific attention is given to the effect of joint rotational stiffness. A simple composite beam model is proposed incorporating the effects of semi-rigid end connections and the nonprismatic properties of a 'cracked' steel-concrete beam. This beam model is extended to a sub-frame in which the restraining effects from the adjoining members are considered. Parametric studies are performed on several sub-frame models and the results are used to show that it is possible to correlate the amount of moment redistribution of semi-continuous beam within the sub-frame using an equivalent stiffness of the connection. Deflection equations are derived for semi-continuous composite beams subjected to various loading and parametric studies on beam vibrations are conducted. The proposed method may be applied using a simple computer or spreadsheet program.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.27-36
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• 2000

The Oktalok nodal connection system is an aesthetic and efficient system. It has been widely used throughout Australia. The paper will briefly introduce the concept and application of the Oktalok nodal system. The existing design method is based on the assumption that the joints are pin-ended, i.e., the rotational stiffness of the joints is zero. However the ultimate capacity of the frame may increase significantly depending on the rotational stiffness of the joints. Stiffness tests and finite element simulations were carried out to determine the rotational stiffness of the Oktalok joints. Column buckling tests and non-linear finite element analyses were performed to determine the member capacity of columns with semi-rigid end conditions. A simple formulae for the effective length factor of column buckling is derived based on the above experimental and theoretical investigations.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering
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• v.14 no.8
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• pp.108-114
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• 1997

A simple and efficient method is presented for the dynamics of interconnected flexible beams having large rigid body rotations. A simple mass matrix is obtained by interpolating the displacements in the global inertia frame, and the elastic force is also simply computed by using linear finite element technique with the moving frame attached to the beam. For the beams connected by revolute joints, kinematic constraints and relative rotations between the beans are not required and the equations of motions are time integrated by a simple ODE technique. Numerical simulations are conducted to demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the present technique.

• Proceedings of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute Conference
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• 1997.10a
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• pp.111-118
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• 1997

Generally, H-section is used for columns and beams in the middle and low building steel structure, But it has a axis and a weak axis. Thus if H-section is used for columns, the structure needs reinforcement on the weak axis. Therefore recently, square hollow section(S.H.S) is used for columns because it is able to cover the vulnerability of H-section. Structural analysis is usually executed under the assumption that connections are either ideally pinned joint or fully joint. Actually all connections are semi-rigid which possess a rotational stiffness. Therefore it can be designed economically as using the property of connections which has a rotational stiffness. This paper presents a prediction model curve which is fitted with Kishi-Chen Power Model about the behavior of connection between H-beam and S.H.S column in the previous experimental paper. It also suggests the new analysis algorithm considering the non-linear of semi-rigid connection and the geometrical non-linear under the effect of axial force.

• Journal of Korean Society of Steel Construction
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• v.12 no.4 s.47
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• pp.339-350
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• 2000

The objective of this study is to investigate the structural behavior of the beam to column connection with reformed T-stubs and to ascertain the application of semi-rigid connection with reformed T-stubs to middle high rise buildings. The tests of steel frame using semi-rigid connections with reformed T-stub and existing T-stub were performed under cyclic loading condition. Finite element analysis was also carried out and the results of FEM were compared with results of tests. The thickness of reformed T-stub and the distance of bolt were used for parameters in the analysis. The structural behaviors of reformed T-stub were understood qualitatively and the possibility of application of semi-rigid connections with reformed T-stubs was ascertained.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.10 no.6
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• pp.589-601
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• 2000

A simplified analysis procedure utilizing the strut-tie modeling technique is developed to take a close look into the post-elastic deformation capacity of beam-column connections in ductile reinforced concrete frame structures. Particular emphasis is given to the effect of concrete strength decay and quantity and arrangement of joint shear steel. For this a fan-shaped crack pattern is postulated through the joints. A series of hypothetical rigid nodes are assumed through which struts, ties and boundaries are connected to each other. The equilibrium consideration enables all forces in struts, ties and boundaries to be related through the nodes. The boundary condition surrounding the joints is obtained by the mechanism analysis of the frame structures. In order to avoid a complexity from the indeterminacy of the truss model, it is assumed that all shear steel yielded. It is noted from the previous research that the capacity of struts is limited by the principal tensile strain of the joint panel for which the strain of the transverse diagonal is taken. The post-yield deformation of joint steel is taken to be the only source of the joint shear deformation beyond the elastic range. Both deformations are related by the energy consideration. The analysis is then performed by iteration for a given shear strain. The analysis results indicate that concentrating most of the joint steel near the center of the joint along with higher strength concrete may enhance the post-elastic joint performance.