• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.2 no.3
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• pp.295-309
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• 1994

The present paper concerns the mathematical study and the numerical treatment of the problem of semirigid connections in bolted steel column base plates by taking into account the possibility of appearance of separation phenomena on the contact surface under certain loading conditions. In order to obtain a convenient discrete form to simulate the structural behaviour of a steel column base plate, the continuous contact problem is first formulated as a variational inequality problem or, equivalently, as a quadratic programming problem. By applying an appropriate finite element scheme, the discrete problem is formulated as a quadratic optimization problem which expresses, from the standpoint of Mechanics, the principle of minimum potential energy of the semirigid connection at the state of equilibrium. For the numerical treatment of this problem, two effective and easy-to-use solution strategies based on quadratic optimization algorithms are proposed. This technique is illustrated by means of a numerical application.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.1 no.4
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• pp.441-458
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• 2001

We analyzed the experimental and theoretical behavior of a particular type of steel joint designed to connect beam to beam and able to transfer both shear forces and bending moments. This joint is characterized by the use of steel plates and bolts enclosed in the width of the beams. The experimental investigation was carried out characterizing the constituent materials and testing in flexure beams constituted by two portions of beams connected in the middle with the joint proposed. Connections having different characteristics in terms of thickness of plates, number and type of bolts were utilized. Flexure tests allow one to determine the loaddeflection curves of the beam tested and the moment-rotation diagrams of the connections, highlighting the strength and the strain capacity of the joints. The proposed analytical model allows one to determine the moment-rotation relationship of the connections, pointing out the influence of the principal geometrical and mechanic characteristics of single constituents on the full properties of the joint.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.139-157
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• 2006

In this paper, a cyclic mechanical model is presented to simulate the behaviour of top and seat with web angle beam-to-column connections. The introduced mechanical model is compared with Eurocode 3 Annex J, its extension, and with experimental data. To have a better insight regarding the actual response of the joints, available results of the experiments, carried out on full-scale top and seat angle joints under monotonic and cyclic loading, are first considered. Subsequently, a finite element model of the test setup is developed. The application of the proposed model, its comparisons with the experimental curves and with the Eurocode 3 Annex J and with its modification, clearly show the excellent quality of the model proposed.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.415-431
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• 1997

Stability equations that evaluate the elastic critical axial load of stepped columns under extreme and intermediate concentrated axial loads in any type of construction with sidesway totally inhibited, partially inhibited and uninhibited are derived in a classical manner. These equations can be utilized in the stability analysis of framed structures (totally braced, partially braced, and unbraced) with stepped columns with rigid, semirigid, and simple connetions. The proposed column classification and the corresponding stability equations overcome the limitations of current methods which are based on a classification of braced and unbraced columns. The proposed stability equations include the effects of: 1) semirigid connections; 2) step variation in the column cross section at the point of application of the intermediate axial load; and 3) lateral and rotational restraints at the intermediate connection and at the column ends. The proposed method consists in determining the eigenvalue of a $2{\times}2$ matrix for a braced column at the two ends and of a $3{\times}3$ matrix for a partially braced or unbraced column. The stability analysis can be carried out directly with the help of a pocket calculator. The proposed method is general and can be extended to multi-stepped columns. Various examples are include to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method and to verify that the calculated results are exact. Definite minimum bracing criteria for single stepped columns is also presented.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.677-698
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• 2005

In engineering practice, tubular connections are usually assumed pinned or rigid. Recent research showed that tubular joints may exhibit non-rigid behavior under axial or bending loads. This paper is concerned with establishing a new classification for tubular joints and investigating the effect of joint rigidity on the global behavior of CHS (Circular Hollow Section) lattice girders. Parametric formulae for predicting tubular joint rigidities are proposed, which are based on the finite element analyses through systematic variation of the main geometric parameters. Comparison with test results proves the reliability of these formulae. By considering the deformation patterns of respective parts of Vierendeel lattice girders, the boundary between rigid and semirigid tubular connections is built in terms of joint bending rigidity. In order to include characteristics of joint rigidity in the global structural analysis, a type of semirigid element which can effectively reflect the interaction of two braces in K joints is introduced and validated. The numerical example of a Warren lattice girder with different joint models shows the great effect of tubular joint rigidities on the internal forces, deformation and secondary stresses.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.119-133
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• 2007

Based on stability theory of current rigid steel frames and using the three-column subassemblage model, the governing equations for determining the effective length factor (${\mu}$-factor) of the columns in semirigid composite frames are derived. The effects of the nonlinear moment-rotation characteristics of beam-to-column connections and composite action of slab are considered. Furthermore, using a two-bay three-storey composite frame with semi-rigid connections as an example, the effects of the non-linear moment-rotation characteristics of connections and load value on the ${\mu}$-factor are numerically studied and the ${\mu}$-factors obtained by the proposed method and Baraket-Chen's method are compared with those obtained by the exact finite element method. It was found that the proposed method has good accuracy and can be used in stability analysis of semi-rigid composite frames.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.8 no.5
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• pp.1039-1054
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• 2015

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the seismic performance of weak-axis column-tree type connections used in steel moment frames. These connections are composed of a shop-welded and fieldbolted steel structure and can improve welding quality. On this basis, column-tree type connections are widely used in steel moment resisting frames in Korea and Japan. In this study, splices designed with a semirigid concept regarding the seismic performance of column-tree connections were experimentally evaluated. The structures can absorb energy in an inelastic state rather than the elastic state of the structures by the capacity design method. For this reason, the plastic hinge might be located at the splice connection at the weak-axis column-tree connection by reducing the splice plate thickness. The main variable was the distance from the edge of the column flange to the beam splice. CTY series specimens having column-tree connections with splice length of 600 mm and 900 mm were designed, respectively. For comparison with two specimens with the main variable, a base specimen with a weak-axis column-tree connection was fabricated and tested. The test results of three full-scale test specimens showed that the CTY series specimens successfully developed ductile behavior without brittle fracture until 5% story drift ratio. Although the base specimen reached a 5% story drift ratio, brittle fracture was detected at the backing bar near the beam-to-column connection. Comparing the energy dissipation capacity for each specimen, the CTY series specimens dissipated more energy than the base specimen.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.305-325
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• 1998

A method that determines the minimum stiffness of baracing to achieve non-sway buckling conditions at a given story level of a multi-column elastic frame is proposed. Condensed equations that evaluate the required minimum stiffness of the lateral and torsional bracing are derived using the classical stability functions. The proposed method is applicable to elastic framed structures with rigid, semirigid, and simple connections. It is shown that the minimum stiffness of the bracing required by a multi-column system depends on: 1) the plan layout of the columns; 2) the variation in height and cross sectional properties among the columns; 3) the applied axial load pattern on the columns; 4) the lack of symmetry in the loading pattern, column layout, column sizes and heights that cause torsion-sway and its effects on the flexural bucking capacity; and 5) the flexural and torsional end restrains of the columns. The proposed method is limited to elastic framed structures with columns of doubly symmetrical cross section with their principal axes parallel to the global axes. However, it can be applied to inelastic structures when the nonlinear behavior is concentrated at the end connections. The effects of axial deformations in beams and columns are neglected. Three examples are presented in detail to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.4 no.4
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• pp.365-381
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• 1996

Stability equations that evaluate the elastic critical axial load of columns in any type of construction with sidesway uninhibited, partially inhibited, and totally inhibited are derived in a classical manner. These equations can be applied to the stability of frames (unbraced, partially braced, and totally braced) with rigid, semirigid, and simple connections. The complete column classification and the corresponding three stability equations overcome the limitations and paradoxes of the well known alignment charts for braced and unbraced columns and frames. Simple criteria are presented that define the concept of partially braced columns and frames, as well as the minimum lateral bracing required by columns and frames to achieve non-sway buckling mode. Various examples are presented in detail that demonstrate the effectiveness and accuracy of the complete set of stability equations.

• 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.