• Journal of Korean Society of Steel Construction
• /
• v.11 no.3 s.40
• /
• pp.271-279
• /
• 1999

Recently, studies on semi-rigid beam-to-column connections have been done to develop a T-stub element with separators between column face and T-stub flange. In this paper, inelastic analyses for the improved T-stub element are performed, and their results are compared with existing experimental results. The inelastic analyses using gap elements between column face and the separator, and initial stresses at the high-tension bolts result in good agreement with experimental results. Simplified design methods estimating the initial stiffness and the strength of the semi-rigid connection for compression force are proposed.

• Journal of the Korea Concrete Institute
• /
• v.28 no.1
• /
• pp.13-21
• /
• 2016

A hybrid precast concrete beam system with a simple rigid connection was proposed to compensate the limitations and shortcomings of the conventional bolt connection associated with the H-beams embedded into concrete beams. Three beam specimens with fixed both ends were tested under one-point top cyclic loading to explore the effectiveness of the developed hybrid beam system in transferring externally applied flexure to a column. The main parameter considered was the length ($L_s$) of H-beam, which was selected to be $0.25L_I$, $0.5L_I$, and $1.0L_I$, where $L_I$ is the distance from the support to the point of inflection. All beam specimens showed a better displacement ductility ratio than the reinforced concrete beams with the same longitudinal reinforcement index, indicating that the cyclic load-deflection curve and ductility were insignificantly affected by $L_s$. The continuous strain distribution along the beam length and the prediction of the ultimate load based on the collapse mechanism ascertained the structural adequacy of the developed rigid connection.

• Journal of the Architectural Institute of Korea Structure & Construction
• /
• v.34 no.3
• /
• pp.19-28
• /
• 2018

Key factors that ensure competitiveness of modular unit include consistent high quality and connection condition that ensures high structural performance while minimizing the overall scale of the on-site process. However, it is difficult to evaluate the structural performance of the connection of modular unit, and its structural analysis and design method can be different depending on the connection to its development, which affects the seismic performance of its final design. In particular, securing the seismic performance is the key to designing modular systems of mid-to-high-rise structure. In this paper, therefore, the seismic performance of the modular system with bracket-typed fully restrained moment connections according to stiffness and the shapes of various connection members was evaluated through experimental and analytical methods. To verify the seismic performance, a cyclic loading test of the connection joint of the proposed modular system was conducted. As a result of this study, theoretical values and experimental results were compared with the initial stiffness, hysteresis behavior and maximum bending moment of the modular system. Also, the connection joint was modeled, using the commercial program ANSYS, which was then followed by finite element analysis of the system. According to the results of the experiment, the maximum resisting force of the proposed connection exceeded the theoretical parameters, which indicated that a rigid joint structural performance could be secured. These results almost satisfied the criteria for connection bending strength of special moment frame listed on KBC2016.

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

• Land and Housing Review
• /
• v.2 no.4
• /
• pp.509-516
• /
• 2011

Compared with the traditional RC system, precast stairs can save construction time, reduce the cost of concrete casting, etc. This paper focuses on an investigation of improved continuous longitudinal joint details for PC stair systems. The performance of the precast concrete stair connections subjected to displacement control cyclic loading is compared with that of the monolithic connection. The developed connection is composed of U-rods and clamp joint metals. This paper proposes precast stair connection with improved structural performance and experimentally evaluates the structural performance of the proposed joints in terms of maximum load, displacement ductiliy, strain, crack and failure modes.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
• /
• v.48 no.1
• /
• pp.57-75
• /
• 2013

It is still inadequate for investigating the highly nonlinear and complex mechanical behaviors of single-layer latticed domes by only performing a force-based demand-capacity analysis. The energy-based balance method has been largely accepted for assessing the seismic performance of a structure in recent years. The various factors, such as span-to-rise ratio, joint rigidity and damping model, have a remarkable effect on the load-carrying capacity of a single-layer latticed dome. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the maximum load-carrying capacity of a dome under extreme loading conditions. In this paper, a mechanical model for members of the semi-rigidly jointed single-layer latticed domes, which combines fiber section model with semi-rigid connections, is proposed. The static load-carrying capacity and seismic performance on the single-layer latticed domes are evaluated by means of the mechanical model. In these analyses, different geometric parameters, joint rigidities and roof loads are discussed. The buckling behaviors of members and damage distribution of the structure are presented in detail. The sensitivity of dynamic demand parameters of the structures subjected to strong earthquakes to the damping is analyzed. The results are helpful to have a better understanding of the seismic performance of the single-layer latticed domes.

• Steel and Composite Structures
• /
• v.29 no.1
• /
• pp.1-22
• /
• 2018

Multi-storey precast concrete skeletal structures are assembled from individual prefabricated components which are erected on-site using various types of connections. In the current design of these structures, beam-to-column connections are assumed to be pin jointed. Welded plate beam to-column connections have been used in the precast concrete industry for many years. They have many advantages over other jointing methods in component production, quality control, transportation and assembly. However, there is at present limited information concerning their detailed structural behaviour under bending and shear loadings. The experimental work has involved the determination of moment-rotation relationships for semi-rigid precast concrete connections in full scale connection tests. The study reported in this paper was undertaken to clarify the behaviour of such connections under symmetrical vertical loadings. A series of full-scale tests was performed on sample column for which the column geometry and weld arrangements conformed with successful commercial practice. Proprietary hollow core slabs were tied to the beams by tensile reinforcing bars, which also provide the in-plane continuity across the connections. The strength of the connections in the double sided tests was at least 0.84 times the predicted moment of resistance of the composite beam and slab. The secant stiffness of the connections ranged from 0.7 to 3.9 times the flexural stiffness of the attached beam. When the connections were tested without the floor slabs and tie steel, the reduced strength and stiffness were approximately a third and half respectively. This remarkable contribution of the floor strength and stiffness to the flexural capacity of the joint is currently neglected in the design process for precast concrete frames. In general, the double sided connections were found to be more suited to a semi-rigid design approach than the single sided ones. The behaviour of double sided welded plate connection test results are presented in this paper. The behaviour of single sided welded plate connection test results is the subject of another paper.

• Steel and Composite Structures
• /
• v.29 no.5
• /
• pp.603-622
• /
• 2018

Precast concrete structures are erected from individual prefabricated components, which are assembled on-site using different types of connections. In the present design of these structures, beam-to-column connections are assumed pin jointed. Bolted billet beam to-column connections have been used in the precast concrete industry for many years. They have many advantages over other jointing methods in component production, quality control, transportation and assembly. However, there is currently limited information concerning their detailed structural behaviour under vertical loadings. The experimental work has involved the determination of moment-relative rotation relationships for semi-rigid precast concrete connections in full-scale connection tests. The study reported in this paper was undertaken to clarify the behaviour of such connections under symmetrical vertical loadings. A series of full-scale tests was performed on sample column for which the column geometry and bolt arrangements conformed to successful commercial practice. Proprietary hollow core floor slabs were tied to the beams by 2T25 tensile reinforcing bars, which also provide the in-plane continuity across the connections. The contribution of the floor strength and stiffness to the flexural capacity of the joint is currently neglected in the design process for precast concrete frames. The flexural strength of the connections in the double-sided tests was at least 0.93 times the predicted moment of resistance of the composite beam and slab. The secant stiffness of the connections ranged from 0.94 to 1.94 times the flexural stiffness of the attached beam. In general, the double-sided connections were found to be more suited to a semi-rigid design approach than the single sided ones. The behaviour of double sided bolted billet connection test results are presented in this paper. The behaviour of single sided bolted billet connection test results is the subject of another paper.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
• /
• v.10 no.1
• /
• pp.27-36
• /
• 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 Korea Concrete Institute
• /
• v.18 no.3 s.93
• /
• pp.321-330
• /
• 2006

In order to remodel old aged reinforced concrete buildings, it is often required to extend the residence area of the buildings by increasing the slab area. The slab area is usually extended by attaching a new slab to the existing slab with hinged joint or rigid joint. Transmission of the loads of the attached slabs to the existing slabs depends on the connecting methods, such as hinged or rigid connection. In this research, 8 specimens and 24 RC slabs connected by rigid joints were tested. The new slab was connected to the existing slab by three types of rigid joints using dowel bars and longitudinal tensile bars. Main parameters of the slabs were three types of the rigid joints, anchor length of steel bars(0, 50, 60, 100, and 120mm), development length of steel bars(100, 200, and 300mm), and the spacing of the steel bars(150, 200, 300, and 450mm). The test results indicated that the flexural strength of the RC test slabs having various types of rigid joints was approximately the same to that of the slab without any connections.