• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.185-196
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• 2019

One of the shortcomings of seismic bridge design codes is the lack of clarity in defining the role of different seismic isolation systems with linear or nonlinear behavior in terms of R-factor. For example, based on AASHTO guide specifications for seismic isolation design, R-factor for all substructure elements of isolated bridges should be half of those expressed in the AASHTO standard specifications for highway bridges (i.e., R=3 for single columns and R=5 for multiple column bent) but not less than 1.50. However, no distinction is made between two commonly used types of seismic isolation devices, i.e., elastomeric rubber bearing (ERB) with linear behavior, and lead rubber bearing (LRB) with nonlinear behavior. In this paper, five existing bridges located in Iran with two types of deck-pier connection including ERB and LRB isolators, and two bridge models with monolithic deck-pier connection are developed and their R-factor values are assessed based on the Uang's method. The average R-factors for the bridges with ERB isolators are calculated as 3.89 and 4.91 in the longitudinal and transverse directions, respectively, which are not in consonance with the AASHTO guide specifications for seismic isolation design (i.e., R=3/2=1.5 for the longitudinal direction and R=5/2=2.5 for the transverse direction). This is a clear indicator that the code-prescribed R-factors are conservative for typical bridges with ERB isolators. Also for the bridges with LRB isolators, the average computed R-factors equal 1.652 and 2.232 in the longitudinal and transverse directions, respectively, which are in a good agreement with the code-specified R-factor values. Moreover, in the bridges with monolithic deck-pier connection, the average R-factor in the longitudinal direction is obtained as 2.92 which is close to the specified R-factor in the bridge design codes (i.e., 3), and in the transverse direction is obtained as 2.41 which is about half of the corresponding R-factor value in the specifications (i.e., 5).

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.273-289
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• 2020

Due to the unique construction method of modular steel buildings (MSBs) with units prefabricated fully off the site and assembled quickly on the site, the inter-module connection for easy operation and overall performance of the system were key issues. However, it was a lack of relevant research on the system-level performance of MSBs. This study investigated the seismic performance of two-storey modular steel structure with a proposed vertical rotary inter-module connection. Three full-scale quasi-static tests, with and without corrugated steel plate and its combination, were carried out to evaluate and compare their seismic behaviour. The hysteretic performance, skeleton curves, ductile performance, stiffness degradation, energy dissipation capacity, and deformation pattern were clarified. The results showed that good ductility and plastic deformation ability of such modular steel structures. Two lateral-force resistance mechanisms with different layout combinations were also discussed in detail. The corrugated steel plate could significantly improve the lateral stiffness and bearing capacity of the modular steel structure. The cooperative working mechanism of modules and inter-module connections was further analyzed. When the lateral stiffness of upper and lower modular structures was close, limited bending moment transfer may be considered for the inter-module connection. While a large lateral stiffness difference existed initially between the upper and lower structures, an obvious gap occurred at the inter-module connection, and this gap may significantly influence the bending moments transferred by the inter-module connections. Meanwhile, several design recommendations of inter-module connections were also given for the application of MSBs.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.271-287
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• 2005

The seismic behavior of two steel moment-resisting frames, which satisfy all the current seismic design requirements, are evaluated and compared in the presence of pre-Northridge connections denoted as BWWF and an improved post-Northridge connections denoted as BWWF-AD. Pre-Northridge connections are modeled first as fully restrained (FR) type. Then they are considered to be partially restrained (PR) to model their behavior more realistically. The improved post-Northridge connections are modeled as PR type, as proposed by the authors. A sophisticated nonlinear time-domain finite element program developed by the authors is used for the response evaluation of the frames in terms of the overall rotation of the connections and the maximum drift. The frames are excited by ten recorded earthquake time histories. These time histories are then scaled up to produce some relevant response characteristics. The behaviors of the frames are studied comprehensively with the help of 120 analyses. Following important observations are made. The frames produced essentially similar rotation and drift for the connections modeled as FR type and PR type represented by BWWF-AD indicating that the presence of slots in the web of beams in BWWF-AD is not detrimental to the overall response behavior. When the lateral displacements of the frames are significantly large, the responses are improved if BWWF-AD type connections are used in the frames. This study analytically confirms many desirable features of BWWF-AD connections. PR frames have longer periods of vibration in comparison to FR frames and may attract lower inertia forces. However, calculated periods of the frames of this study using FEMA 350 empirical equation is longer than those calculated using dynamic characteristics of the frames. This may result in even lower design forces and may adversely influence the design.

• Journal of Korean Association for Spatial Structures
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.71-78
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• 2012

The dynamic behavior of spatial structures is different depending on the aspect ration of arch structure, as the rise-span ratio or open-angle, and these spatial structures show differently the character of seismic response in accordance with stiffness and connection of the lower support structures that are directly influenced by earthquake. Therefore, in this paper, dynamic analysis is conducted for seismic response of single layer arch structures by the influence of column's stiffness and connection, to reflect the different vertical and horizontal vibration mode of single layer arch structures. The vertical response of single layer arch structures is more influence by lower columns and the influence of column's connection rotational stiffness is not large, except to the hinged connections.

• Journal of Urban Science
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.29-36
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• 2018

The demand for reinforcement in accordance with remodeling, seismic retrofit, and change of use of the existing structure is increasing. Originally, shear wall new and extension method has been adopted a lot as seismic retrofit methods. Recently, dry seismic retrofit method that uses structural steel is mostly adopted in order to minimize spatiotemporal aspect and underpinning that occurs when a construct shear wall. We redesigned the form of old and new concrete joint high-shear ring anchor that was developed according to recent reinforcement method and determined construction method. Shear tests were performed on High-Shear Ring Anchor for steel-concrete connection. Comparison with 4 tests shows that the average of test-to-prediction ratios is 1.01.

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

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.291-305
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• 2011

The new structure consisting of continuous compound spiral hoop reinforced concrete (CCSHRC)column and steel concrete composite (SCC) beam has both the advantages of steel structures and concrete structures. Two types of beam-to-column connections applied in this structural system are presented in this paper. The connection details are as follows: the main bars in beam concrete pass through the core zone for both types of connections. For connecting bar connection, the steel I-beam webs are connected by bolts to a steel plate passing through the joint while the top and bottom flanges of the beams are connected by four straight and two X-shaped bars. For bolted end-plate connection, the steel I-beam webs are connected by stiffened extended end-plates and eight long shank bolts passing through the core zone. In order to study the seismic behaviour and failure mechanisms of the connections, quasi-static tests were conducted on both types of full-scale connection subassemblies and core zone specimens. The load-drift hysteresis loops show a plateau for the connecting bar connection while they are excellent plump for bolted end-plate connection. The shear capacity formulas of both types of connections are presented and the values calculated by the formula agree well with the test results.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.375-382
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• 2023

The H-shaped steel beam is popular due to its ease of manufacturing and connection to the column. This profile, which is used as a shallow beam, needs the high weak-axis bending stiffness and torsional stiffness to meet the overall stability. Achieving the local beam flange stability, bearing capacity, bending stiffness, and torsional requirements need a great thickness and width of the beam flange, which causes, which will cause more uneconomical structural design. So, the box-section beam is the ideal alternative. However, the current design specifications do not have design rules for the bolt-and-welded connection of the box-section beam and box-section column. The paper proposes a novel bolt-and-welded connection of the box-section beams and box-section columns based on a high-rise structural design scheme. Three connection models, BASE, WBF, and RBS, are analyzed under cyclic loading in ABAQUS software. The failure modes, hysteresis response, bearing capacity, ductility, plastic rotation angle, energy dissipation, and stiffness degradation of all models are determined and compared. Compared with the other two models, the model WBF exhibited excellent seismic performance, ductility, and plastic rotation ability. Finally, model WBF was chosen as the connection scheme used in the project design.

• Proceedings of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute Conference
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• 2003.10a
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• pp.473-478
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• 2003

The purpose of this study is to model the seismic behavior of Welded Unreinforced Flange and Bolted (WUF-B) connections with post-Northridge details and evaluate the system performance of the builidings with WUF-B connections. For this purpose, based on test results, mathematical model of the connections were developed and compared with test results. This connection model take into account both panel zone deformation and connection fractures. Then, SAC Phase II 3 and 9-story buildings were modeled using the connection model developed in this study. From nonlinear static pushover analysis of the buildings, maximum strength, maximum roof drift, and so forth are investigated for the buildings with post-Northridge details. Analysis results were compared with those of buildings with pre-Northridge details and ductile connections with no fractures.

• Proceedings of the Earthquake Engineering Society of Korea Conference
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• 2003.03a
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• pp.200-207
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• 2003

The seismic behaviors of steel moment connections are investigated based on the numerical analysis of the connections with US and Japanese typical details. The rupture index, representing the fracture potential, is used to evaluate the ductility of the connections at the critical location. The results show that the presence of a slab increases the beam strength, imposes constraint near the beam top flange, and consequently, induces concentrated deformation near the beam access hall, which reduces the ductility of the connection. The total deformation capacity of the connection depends not only on a beam but also on a column and panel zone.