• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.47 no.6
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• pp.757-771
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• 2013

We present a semi-rigid connection estimation method by using cross modal strain energy method. While rigid or pinned assumptions are adopted for steel frames in traditional modeling via finite element method, the actual behavior of the connections is usually neither. Semi-rigid joints enable connections to be modeled as partially restrained, which improves the quality of the model. To identify the connection stiffness and update the FE model, a newly-developed cross modal strain energy (CMSE) method is extended to incorporate the connection stiffness estimation. Meanwhile, the relations between the correction coefficients for the CMSE method are derived, which enables less modal information to be used in the estimation procedure. To illustrate the capability of the proposed parameter estimation algorithm, a four-story frame structure is demonstrated in the numerical studies. Several cases, including Semi-rigid joint(s) on single connection and on multi-connections, without and with measurement noise, are investigated. Numerical results indicate that an excellent updating is achievable and the connection stiffness can be estimated by CMSE method.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.397-408
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• 2001

Bolted connections are used commonly in the precast reinforced concrete structures. In such structures, to perform structural analysis, behaviour of connections must be determined. In this study, elastic rotation stiffness of semi-rigid bolted beam connections, applied in industrial precast structures, are determined by finite element methods. The results obtained from numerical solutions are compared with an experimental study carried out for the same connections. Furthermore, stress distributions of the connection zone are determined and a reinforcement scheme is proposed. Thus, a more appropriate reinforcement arrangement for the connection zone is enabled. The connection joint of the prefabricated frame is described as rigid, hinged or elastic, and a static analysis of the frame system is performed for each case. Values of bending moments and displacements obtained from the three solutions are compared and the effects of elastic connection are discussed.

• 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.4 no.5
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• pp.403-418
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• 2004

Lateral sway is most likely to control the design of semi-rigid steel frames where the frame arrangements do not include any form of bracing. This paper investigates the sway behaviour of semi-rigid regular steel frames i.e., frames having the same arrangement of beam and column sections at all levels, and hence proposes some design charts for the prediction of sway that eliminate the need for doing any numerical modelling. Schueller's equation has also been modified to incorporate connection flexibility in addition to its original rigid frame considerations. All the proposed methods have been validated using results obtained from numerical analysis.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.70 no.2
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• pp.221-231
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• 2019

This paper performs for the first time a simultaneous optimization for members sections along with semi-rigid beam-to-column connections for space steel frames with fixed, semi-rigid, and hinged bases using a biogeography-based optimization algorithm (BBO) and a genetic algorithm (GA). Furthermore, a member's sections optimization for a fully fixed space frame is carried out. A real and accurate simulation of semi-rigid connection behavior is considered in this study, where the semi-rigid base connections are simulated using Kanvinde and Grilli (2012) nonlinear model, which considers deformations in different base connection components under the applied loads, while beam-to-column connections are modeled using the familiar Frye and Morris (1975) nonlinear polynomial model. Moreover, the $P-{\Delta}$ effect and geometric nonlinearity are considered. AISC-LRFD (2016) specification constraints of the stress and displacement are considered as well as section size fitting constraints. The optimization is applied to two benchmark space frame examples to inspect the effect of semi-rigidity on frame weight and drift using BBO and GA algorithms.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.6 no.6
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• pp.513-529
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• 2006

This paper deals with the dynamic behaviour of cold-formed steel hollow frames with different connection stiffnesses. An analytical model of a semi-rigid frame was developed to study the influence of connection stiffnesses on the fundamental frequency and dynamic response of the frames. The flexibilities of the connections are modeled by rotational springs. Neglect of semi-rigidity leads to an artificial stiffening of frames resulting in shorter fundamental period, which in turn results in a significant error in the evaluation of dynamic loads. In the seismic design of structures, of all the principal modes, the fundamental mode of translational vibration is the most critical. Hence, experiments were conducted to study the influence of the connection stiffnesses on the fundamental mode of translational vibration of the steel hollow frames. From the experimental study it was found that the fundamental frequency of the frames lie in the semi-rigid region. From the theoretical investigation it was found that the flexibly connected frames subjected to lateral loads exhibit larger deflection as compared to rigidly connected frames.

• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.72-82
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• 2000

Attempts were made to analyze the behavior of single and multiple-bolted connections through theoretical methods such as European yield theory, empirical approaching method, and semi-rigid theory instead of many experimental methods that have been actually inefficient and non-economical. In the case of a single-bolted connection, if accurate characteristic values of a material could be guaranteed, it would be more convenient and economical to perform the behavior analysis using a model based on the semi-rigid theory, instead of the existing complex yield model, or the empirical formula which produces errors, giving different results from the actual ones. If the variables of equation determining the load and deformation could be appropriately controlled, the analytical method in conjunction with a semi-rigid theory could be effectively applied to obtain the desirably predicted value, considering that the appropriate solution could be derived through a simpler equation using a less difficult method compared to the existing yield model. It is concluded that analytical method with semi-rigid theory can be used in the behavior analysis of bolted connection because our developed method showed excellent analysis ability of behavior until number of bolt is two. Although our analytical method has the disadvantage that the number of bolt is limited to two, it is concluded that it has the advantage than numerical method which complicated and time-consuming.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.431-451
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• 2013

The Big Bang-Big Crunch (BB-BC) optimization algorithm is developed for optimal design of non-linear steel frames with semi-rigid beam-to-column connections. The design algorithm obtains the minimum total cost which comprises total member plus connection costs by selecting suitable sections. Displacement and stress constraints together with the geometry constraints are imposed on the frame in the optimum design procedure. In addition, non-linear analyses considering the P-${\Delta}$ effects of beam-column members are performed during the optimization process. Three design examples with various types of connections are presented and the results show the efficiency of using semi-rigid connection models in comparing to rigid connections. The obtained optimum semi-rigid frames are more economical solutions and lead to more realistic predictions of response and strength of the structure.

• Journal of Korean Society of Steel Construction
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.325-334
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• 2010

In this study, an unbraced five-story steel-framed structure was designed in accordance with KBC2005 to understand the features of structural behavior for the arrangement of semi-rigid connections. A pushover analysis of the structural models was performed, wherein all the connections were idealized as fully rigid and semi-rigid. Additionally, horizontal and vertical arrangements of the semi-rigid connection were adopted for the models. A fiber model was utilized for the moment-curvature relationship of the steel beam and the column, and a three-parameter power model was adopted for the moment-rotation angle of the semi-rigid connection. The top displacement, base-shear force, required ductility for the connection, sequence of the plastic hinge, and design factors such as the overstrength factor, ductility factor, and response modification coefficient were investigated using the pushover analysis of a 2D structure subjected to the equivalent static lateral force of KBC2005. The partial arrangement of the semi-rigid connection was found to have secured higher strength and lateral stiffness than that of the A-Semi frame, and greater ductility than the A-Rigid frame. The TSD connection was found suitable for use for economy and safety in the sample structure.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.415-448
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• 2014

A method is presented in this paper to analyze the dynamic response behavior of suspended building structures. The effect of semi-rigid connections that link suspended floors with their supporting structure on structural performance is investigated. The connections, like the restrains in non-structural suspended components, are designed as semi-rigid to avoid pounding and as energy dissipation components to reduce structural response. Parametric study is conducted to assess the dynamic characteristics of suspended building structures with varying connection stiffness and suspended mass ratios. Modal analysis is applied to identify the two distinct sets of vibration modes, pendulum and bearing, of a suspended building structure. The cumulative modal mass is discussed to ensure the accuracy in applying the method of response spectrum analysis by SRSS or CQC modal combination. Case studies indicate that a suspended building having semi-rigid connections and proper suspended mass ratios can avoid local pounding failure and reduce seismic response.