• 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 Society of Steel Construction
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.15-24
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• 2013

This paper presents the results from a systematic finite element study on the bending moment resisting capacity of double web-angle connection for a CFT(concrete filled tube) composite frame subjected to cyclic loading. The three-dimensional nonlinear finite element models are constructed to investigate the rotational stiffness, bending moment capacity, and failure modes of the partially restrained composite CFT connections. A wide scope of additional structural behaviors explain the different influences of the double web-angle connections parameters, such as the different thickness of connection angles and the gage distances of high strength steel connection bar. The moment-rotation angle relationships obtained statically from the finite element analysis are compared with those from Richard's theoretical equation.

• Journal of Korean Society of Steel Construction
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• v.17 no.3 s.76
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• pp.325-335
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• 2005

This study tackles the development of an improved detail of partially restrained CFT square column-to-beam connection and the evaluation of its mechanical behavior under monotonic loading. The connection is designed to strengthen shearing capacity at the bottom of the connection due to the ultimate behavior of PR-CC by its detail of the bottom connection and simplify the fabrication process. The suggested connection is the welded bottom beam flange connection(M-2) and is compared with the existing PR-CC of bolted seat angle connection(M-1). Two specimens were fabricated in actual size and tested under monotonic loading. Based on the test results, the welded bottom beam flange connection exhibited about 85% of the stiffness of steel beam. It was similar to the bolted seat angle connection and behaved as PR-CC. The specimen of the supposed connection type failed at the shear connection of web but was similar to the bolted seat angle connection until the failure. It obtained sufficient stiffness and capacity through the reinforcingsteel and the capacity and deformational ability equivalent to the full-plastic moment through the anchor inside the steel tube at the web connection. So, it can be said that the suggested connection exhibits sufficient ductile behavior.

• Journal of Korean Society of Steel Construction
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.423-434
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• 2017

In this paper a systematic numerical analysis is performed to obtain the hysteresis behavior of partially restrained top and seat angle connections subjected to cyclic loading. This connection includes superelastic shape memory alloy (SMA) angles and rods in order to secure the recentering capacities as well as proper energy dissipation effects of a CFT composite frame. The three-dimensional nonlinear finite element models are constructed to investigate the rotational stiffness, bending moment capacity and failure modes. A wide scope of additional structural behaviors explain the different influences of the connection's parameters, such as the various thickness of connection angles and the gage distance of steel and SMA rods.