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

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.187-200
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• 2001

Most of the portal frames are designed these days by the application of plastic analysis, with the normal assumption being made that the column bases are pinned. However, the couple produced by the compression action of the inner column flange and the tension in the holding down bolts will inevitably generate some moment resistance and rotational stiffness. Full-scale portal frame tests conducted during a previous research program had suggested that this moment can be as much as 20% of the moment of resistance of the column. The size of this moment of resistance is particularly important for the design of the tensile capacity of the holding down bolts and also the bearing resistance of the foundation. The present research program is aiming at defining this moment of resistance in simple design terms so that it could be included in the design of the frame. The investigation also included the study of the semi-rigid behaviour of the column base/foundation, which, to a certain extent, affects the overall loading capacity and stiffness of the portal frames. A series of column bases with various details were tested and were used to calibrate a finite element model which is able to simulate the action of the holding down bolts, the effect of the concrete foundation and the deformation of the base plate.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.17-35
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• 2008

Neglecting the real joint behaviour in frame analysis may result in unrealistic predictions of the response and reliability of steel frames. The reliability of the prediction of main joint properties according to the component method (Eurocode 3-Part 1.8) still remains open to further investigation. The first step toward the solution is to compare the theoretical expressions given in EN 1993-1-8 and the experimental results. With that goal in mind six nominally the same, but really different specimens of welded beam-to-column joints subjected to static load were tested. The specimens present a combination of nominally identical structural elements produced in different European mills. This paper provides these tests, as well as their detailed evaulation and interpretation. All three joint structural properties (rotational stiffness, moment resistance and rotation capacity) have been considered. Four models for determining the plastic resistance out of experimental Mj-${\phi}$ curves have been applied. The results that have been discussed in detail, point to the fact that EN 1993-1-8 underestimates the real structural properties of the tested type of joint, as well as to the conclusion that detailed research of this problem needs to be conducted using the probabilistic reliability methods.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.37-55
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• 2013

An important issue in the design of soil-nailing systems, as long-term retaining walls, is to assess their stability during seismic events. As such, this study is aimed at simulating the dynamic behavior and failure pattern of nailed structures using two series of numerical analyses, namely dynamic time history and pseudo-static. These numerical simulations are performed using the Finite Difference Method (FDM). In order to consider the actual response of a soil-nailed structure, nonlinear soil behaviour, soil-structure interaction effects, bending resistance of structural elements and construction sequences have been considered in the analyses. The obtained results revealed the efficiency of both analysis methods in simulating the seismic failure mechanism. The predicted failure pattern consists of two sliding blocks enclosed by three slip surfaces, whereby the bottom nails act as anchors and the other nails hold a semi-rigid soil mass. Moreover, it was realized that an increase in the length of the lowest nails is the most effective method to improve seismic stability of soil-nailed structures. Therefore, it is recommended to first estimate the nails pattern for static condition with the minimum required static safety factor. Then, the required seismic stability can be obtained through an increase in the length of the lowest nails. Moreover, placement of additional long nails among lowest nails in existing nailed structures can be considered as a simple retrofitting technique in seismic prone areas.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.251-271
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• 2011

To make direct comparisons regarding the cyclic behavior of thin steel plate shear walls (TSPSWs) with different infill-to-boundary frame connections, two TSPSWs were tested under quasi-static conditions, one having the infill plate attached to the boundary frame members on all edges and the other having the infill plate connected only to the beams. Also, the bare frame that was used in the TSPSW specimens was tested to provide data for the calibration of numerical models. The connection of infill plates to surrounding frames was achieved through the use of self-drilling screws to fish plates that were welded to the frame members. The behavior of TSPSW specimens are compared and discussed with emphasis on the characteristics important in seismic response, including the initial stiffness, ultimate strength and deformation modes observed during the tests. It is shown that TSPSW specimens achieve significant ductility and energy dissipation while the ultimate failure mode resulted from infill plate fracture at the net section of the infill plate-to-boundary frame connection after substantial infill plate yielding. Experimental results are compared to monotonic pushover predictions from computer analysis using strip models and the models are found to be capable of approximating the monotonic behavior of the TSPSW specimens.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.42 no.6
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• pp.791-804
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• 2022

As a type of semi-rigid connection, the top and seat angle connections are popular in current structures owing to their good cyclic performance and simple erection. However, their stiffness and load bearing capacity are relatively insufficient. This study proposes two strengthening methods to further increase the stiffness and strength of bolted-angle joints while maintaining satisfactory energy dissipation capacity (EDC) and ductility. Cyclic loading tests were conducted on six joint specimens with different strengthened angle components. Based on the test results, the influence of the following important factors on the cyclic behavior of steel joint specimens was investigated: the position of the rib stiffeners (edge rib stiffeners and middle rib stiffener), steel strength grade of rib stiffeners (Q345 and Q690), and additional stiffeners or not. In addition, the finite element models of these specimens were built and validated through a comparison of experimental and numerical results. The stiffness and bearing capacity of the bolted-angle joints could be improved significantly by utilizing the novel strengthened joints proposed in this study. Moreover, this can be achieved with almost no increase in the amount of steel required, and the EDC of this joint could also satisfy the requirements of seismic codes from various countries.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.753-775
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• 2016

This paper aims to investigate the demountability of steel column-baseplate connections subjected to monotonic and cyclic loading. This paper presents the finite element analysis of steel column-baseplate connections under monotonic and cyclic loading. The finite element model takes into account the effects of material and geometric nonlinearities. Bauschinger and pinching effects were also included in the developed model, through which degradation of steel yield strength in cyclic loading can be well simulated. The results obtained from the finite element model are compared with the existing experimental results. It is demonstrated that the finite element model accurately predicts the initial stiffness, ultimate bending moment strength of steel column-baseplate connections. The finite element model is utilised to examine the effects of axial load, baseplate thickness, anchor bolt diameter and position on the behaviour of steel column-baseplate connections. The effects of various parameters on the demountability of steel column-baseplate connections are investigated. To achieve a demountable and reusable structure, various design parameters need to be considered. Initial stiffness and moment capacity of steel columnbaseplate connections are compared with design strengths from Eurocode 3. The comparison between finite element analysis and Eurocode 3 indicates that predictions of initial stiffness for semi-rigid connections should be developed and improved design of the connections needs to be used in engineering practice.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Safety
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.87-94
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• 2019

This study deals with the reliability analysis approach of the temporary structure that can consider the uncertainty in rotational stiffness at the joints of the members, for which the semi-rigid connections are modelled as rotational spring and its coefficient is treated as a random variable following uniform distribution. In addition, this study introduces a computational procedure of the effective length coefficient for more accurate buckling load according to connection conditions of the supporting members attached to the joint. From the results of this study, it can be seen that the failure probability of the joint-hinge model (Case 1) presented in the design standard is higher than that of the practical model (Case 5) considering the rotational stiffness at the joints. This implies that the design standard leads to a conservative design of the temporary structure. The results also confirmed that the failure probability of the vertical member, i.e., the most critical member, can be further reduced when the base connection is provided with a fixed end. The comparative results between FORM, SORM and MCS further demonstrated that FORM can have a high level of numerical efficiency while ensuring the accuracy of the solution, compared with SORM and MCS. Based on these results, the proposed approach can be used as an accurate and efficient reliability analysis method of the three dimensional temporary structure.

• Journal of Korean Society of Steel Construction
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.129-137
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• 2010

In this study, a five-story steel frame was designed in accordance with KBC2005 to evaluate the effect of the beam-column connection on the structural behavior. The connections were designed as a fully rigid connection and as a semirigid connection. A fiber model was utilized to describe the moment-curvature relationship of the steel beam and column, and a three-parameter power model was adopted for the moment-rotation angle of the semirigid connection. To evaluate the effects of higher modes on structural behavior, the structure was subjected to a KBC2005-equivalent lateral load and lateral loads considering higher modes. The structure was idealized as a separate 2D frame and as a connected 2D frame. The pushover analysis of 2D frames for the lateral load yielded the top displacement-base shear force, design coefficients such as overstrength factor, ductility ratio, and response modification coefficient, demanded ductility ratio for the semirigid connection,and distribution of plastic hinges. The sample structure showed a greater response modification coefficient than KBC2005, the higher modes were found to have few effects on the coefficient, and the lateral load of KBC2005 was found to be conservative. The TSD connection was estimated to secure economy and safety in the sample structure.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.58 no.2
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• pp.277-300
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• 2016

Cold-formed steel (CFS) sections are becoming an increasingly popular solution for constructing floors in residential, healthcare and education buildings. Their reduced weight, however, makes them prone to excessive vibrations, increasing the need for accurate prediction of CFS floor modal properties. By combining experimental modal analysis of a full-scale CFS framed building and its floors and their numerical finite element (FE) modelling this paper demonstrates that the existing methods (based on the best engineering judgement) for predicting CFS floor modal properties are unreliable. They can yield over 40% difference between the predicted and measured natural frequencies for important modes of vibration. This is because the methods were adopted from other floor types (e.g., timber or standard steel-concrete composite floors) and do not take into account specific features of CFS floors. Using the adjusted and then updated FE model, featuring semi-rigid connections led to markedly improved results. The first four measured and calculated CFS floor natural frequencies matched exactly and all relevant modal assurance criterion (MAC) values were above 90%. The introduction of flexible supports and more realistic modelling of the floor boundary conditions, as well as non-structural $fa{\c{c}}ade$ walls, proved to be crucial in the development of the new more successful modelling strategy. The process used to develop 10 identified and experimentally verified FE modelling parameters is based on published information and parameter adjustment resulting from FE model updating. This can be utilised for future design of similar lightweight steel floors in prefabricated buildings when checking their vibration serviceability, likely to be their governing design criterion.