• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.625-641
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• 2020

The realistic modeling of the beam-column semi-rigid connection in steel frames attracted the attention of many researchers in the past for the seismic analysis of semi-rigid frames. Comparatively less studies have been made to investigate the behavior of steel frames with semi-rigid connections under different types of earthquake. Herein, the seismic behavior of semi-rigid steel frames is investigated under both far and near-field earthquakes. The semi-rigid connection is modeled by the multilinear plastic link element consisting of rotational springs. The kinematic hysteresis model is used to define the dynamic behavior of the rotational spring, describing the nonlinearity of the semi-rigid connection as defined in SAP2000. The nonlinear time history analysis (NTHA) is performed to obtain response time histories of the frame under scaled earthquakes at three PGA levels denoting the low, medium and high-level earthquakes. The other important parameters varied are the stiffness and strength parameters of the connections, defining the degree of semi-rigidity. For studying the behavior of the semi-rigid frame, a large number of seismic demand parameters are considered. The benchmark for comparison is taken as those of the corresponding rigid frame. Two different frames, namely, a five-story frame and a ten-story frame are considered as the numerical examples. It is shown that semi-rigid frames prove to be effective and beneficial in resisting the seismic forces for near-field earthquakes (PGA ≈ 0.2g), especially in reducing the base shear to a considerable extent for the moderate level of earthquake. Further, the semi-rigid frame with a relatively weaker beam and less connection stiffness may withstand a moderately strong earthquake without having much damage in the beams.

• 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.4 no.6
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• pp.453-469
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• 2004

In this article, a genetic algorithm based optimum design method is presented for non-linear steel frames with semi-rigid connections. The design algorithm obtains the minimum weight frame by selecting suitable sections from a standard set of steel sections such as European wide flange beams (i.e., HE sections). A genetic algorithm is employed as optimization method which utilizes reproduction, crossover and mutation operators. Displacement and stress constraints of Turkish Building Code for Steel Structures (TS 648, 1980) are imposed on the frame. The algorithm requires a large number of non-linear analyses of frames. The analyses cover both the non-linear behaviour of beam-to-column connection and $P-{\Delta}$ effects of beam-column members. The Frye and Morris polynomial model is used for modelling of semi-rigid connections. Two design examples with various type of connections are presented to demonstrate the application of the algorithm. The semi-rigid connection modelling results in more economical solutions than rigid connection modelling, but it increases frame drift.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.467-484
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• 2015

Seismic performances of dual steel moment-resisting frames with mixed use of rigid and semi-rigid connections were investigated to control of the base shear, story drifts and the ductility demand of the elements. To this end, nonlinear seismic responses of three groups of frames with three, eight and fifteen story were evaluated. These frames with rigid, semi-rigid and combined configuration of rigid and semi-rigid connections were analyzed under five earthquake records and their responses were compared in ultimate limit state of rigid frame. This study showed that in all frames, it could be found a state of semi-rigidity and connections configuration which behaved better than rigid frame, with consideration of the base shear and story drifts criterion. Finally, some criteria were suggested to locate the best place of the semi-rigid connections for improvement of the seismic performance of steel moment-resisting frames.

• Journal of Korean Society of Steel Construction
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.483-492
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• 2009

In this study, nonlinear analysis of steel plane frame was performed using the refined plastic hinge method of advanced analysis techniques. In deterioration of stiffness in plastic zone, influences by flexural bending, residual stress, geometrical non-linearity, and semi-rigid connection are considered. And also, further reduced tangent modulus was used for geometrical non-linearity, top and seat angle were chosen for semi-rigid connection. Furthermore, 3 parameter power model was used for moment-rotation behaviour of beam to column connection. The loading conditions are combined with axial and lateral force and the inverse triangle distribution of lateral and eight type of analytical models were used in analysis. The results of analyses were compared with semi-rigid and rigid connection on behaviour of numerical analysis models. And also, the behaviors of frame with changes of semi-rigidity were analyzed by using the results obtained from MIIDAS-GENw.

• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.8-15
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• 1995

This analytical study was carried out to make quality and productivity up in designing the frame-type furniture with semi-rigid joint by understanding the mechanical and structural behavior of the joint and by evaluating the validity of application of the time-saving Finite Element Method to its structural analysis. Slope deflection equation for rigid joint was modified to describe the moment-rotation behavior of semi-rigid joint and the joint stiffness factor(Z) could be calculated to lessen the experimental expense. It was proved that Finite Element Analysis with imaginary elements having equivalent MOE to the semi-rigid joint could be the alternative method for the structural analysis of the frame-type furniture, comparing the internal rotation of the 2-dimensional beam-to-column model with two-pin(wooden dowel) from the finite element method with other available theoretical and experimental rotation value.

• 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.

• Magazine of the Korean Society of Agricultural Engineers
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.78-87
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• 1998

In this study, semi-rigid light-weight framed structures analysis model (SERIFS) was developed by advancing the LEIFS model. This model enables us to analyze simultaneous effects of large deflection and semi-rigid connection by computing unbalanced load occurring in the process of repeated loading through equalization of bending moments and torsion. This model is also able to handle the effect of the semi-rigid connection and large deflection by modifying the elastic stiffness matrix using moment-rotation behavior of connection. Moment-rotation behavior of the semi-rigid connection was adopted from the experimental results of load-vertical displacement of frame element In conclusion, this model achieves to analyze the nonlinear and large deflection behavior on the semi-rigid and light-weight steel frame connection.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Safety
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.64-71
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• 2014

The generalized tangential stiffness matrix of semi-rigid frame element with shear deformations based on Haringx's shear theory is newly derived and compared with the previous study based on Engesser's shear theory. Also, linearized elastic and geometric stiffness matrices are newly presented from the exact tangential stiffness matrix. In oder to obtain the inelastic system buckling load of shear flexible semi-rigid frame structure, the Ef method by tangential modulus theory is adopted and the FE analysis programs are developed. Finally, the shear and semi-rigid effects of system bucking are investigated by two numerical examples.