• Steel and Composite Structures
• /
• 제25권4호
• /
• pp.443-456
• /
• 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
• /
• 제10권6호
• /
• pp.541-561
• /
• 2010

This paper presents finite element analyses, experimental measurements and finite element model updating of an arch type steel laboratory bridge model using semi-rigid connections. The laboratory bridge model is a single span and fixed base structure with a length of 6.1 m and width of 1.1m. The height of the bridge column is 0.85 m and the maximum arch height is 0.95 m. Firstly, a finite element model of the bridge is created in SAP2000 program and analytical dynamic characteristics such as natural frequencies and mode shapes are determined. Then, experimental measurements using ambient vibration tests are performed and dynamic characteristics (natural frequencies, mode shapes and damping ratios) are obtained. Ambient vibration tests are performed under natural excitations such as wind and small impact effects. The Enhanced Frequency Domain Decomposition method in the frequency domain and the Stochastic Subspace Identification method in the time domain are used to extract the dynamic characteristics. Then the finite element model of the bridge is updated using linear elastic rotational springs in the supports and structural element connections to minimize the differences between analytically and experimentally estimated dynamic characteristics. At the end of the study, maximum differences in the natural frequencies are reduced on average from 47% to 2.6%. It is seen that there is a good agreement between analytical and experimental results after finite element model updating. Also, connection percentages of the all structural elements to joints are determined depending on the rotational spring stiffness.

• Steel and Composite Structures
• /
• 제29권5호
• /
• pp.623-633
• /
• 2018

A robust element is essential for successful design of steel frames with Direct analysis (DA) method. To this end, an innovative and efficient curved-quartic-function (CQF) beam-column element using the fourth-order polynomial shape function with end-springs in series is proposed for practical applications of DA. The member initial imperfection is explicitly integrated into the element formulation, and, therefore, the P-${\delta}$ effect can be directly captured in the analysis. The series of zero-length springs are placed at the element ends to model the effects of semi-rigid joints and material yielding. One-element-per-member model is adopted for design bringing considerable savings in computer expense. The incremental secant stiffness method allowing for large deflections is used to describe the kinematic motion. Finally, several problems are studied in this paper for examining and validating the accuracy of the present formulations. The proposed element is believed to make DA simpler to use than existing elements, which is essential for its successful and widespread adoption by engineers.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
• /
• 제88권5호
• /
• pp.501-519
• /
• 2023

This paper introduces a new hybrid structural connection joint that combines shear walls with section steel beams, fundamentally resolving the construction complexity issue of requiring pre-embedded connectors in the connection between shear walls and steel beams. Initially, a quasi-static loading scheme with load-deformation dual control was employed to conduct low-cycle repeated loading experiments on five new connection joints. Data was acquired using displacement and strain gauges to compare the energy dissipation coefficients of each specimen. The destruction process of the new connection joints was meticulously observed and recorded, delineating it into three stages. Hysteresis curves and skeleton curves of the joint specimens were plotted based on experimental results, summarizing the energy dissipation performance of the joints. It's noteworthy that the addition of shear walls led to an approximate 17% increase in the energy dissipation coefficient. The energy dissipation coefficients of dog-bone-shaped connection joints with shear walls and cover plates reached 2.043 and 2.059, respectively, exhibiting the most comprehensive hysteresis curves. Additionally, the impact of laminated steel plates covering composite concrete floors on the stiffness of semi-rigid joint ends under excessive stretching should not be disregarded. A comparison with finite element analysis results yielded an error of merely 2.2%, offering substantial evidence for the wide-ranging application prospects of this innovative joint in seismic performance.

• Steel and Composite Structures
• /
• 제25권6호
• /
• pp.727-734
• /
• 2017

This paper describes a quasi-static finite element analysis, which uses the explicit integration method, of the apex joint of a cold-formed steel portal frame. Such cold-formed steel joints are semi-rigid as a result of bolt-hole elongation. Furthermore, the channel-sections that are being connected have a reduced moment capacity as a result of a bimoment. In the finite element model described, the bolt-holes and bolt shanks are all physically modelled, with contact defined between them. The force-displacement curves obtained from the quasi-static analysis are shown to be similar to those of the experimental test results, both in terms of stiffness as well as failure load. It is demonstrated that quasi-static finite element analysis can be used to predict the behavior of cold-formed steel portal frame joints and overcome convergence issues experienced in static finite element analysis.

• Steel and Composite Structures
• /
• 제42권6호
• /
• pp.791-804
• /
• 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.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
• /
• 제6권6호
• /
• pp.693-710
• /
• 1998

This paper concerns studies on the shape formation of post-tensioned and shaped steel domes. The post-tensioned and shaped steel domes, assembled initially at ground level in an essentially flat condition, are shaped to a curved space form and erected into the final position by means of a post-tensioning technique. Based on previous studies on this shape formation principle, three post-tensioned and shaped steel domes have been constructed. The results of the shape formation tests and finite element analyses are reported in this paper. It is found that the first two test domes did not furnish a part-spherical shape as predicted by finite element analyses, because the movements of some mechanisms were not controlled sufficiently. With a revised post-tensioning method, the third dome obtained the theoretical prediction. The test results of the three post-tensioned and shaped domes have shown that a necessary condition to form a desired space shape from a planar layout with low joint stiffnesses is that the movements of all the existing mechanisms must be effectively controlled as indicated by the finite element analysis. The extent of the maximum elastic deformation of a post-tensioned and shaped steel structure is determined by the strength of the top chords and their joints. However, due to the semi-rigid characteristic of the top chord joints, the finite element analyses cannot give a close prediction for the maximum elastic deformations of the post-tensioned and shaped steel domes. The results of the current studies can be helpful for the design and construction of this type of structure.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
• /
• 제29권1호
• /
• pp.17-35
• /
• 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.

• Coupled systems mechanics
• /
• 제8권2호
• /
• pp.185-197
• /
• 2019

Considering the increasing use of tubular profiles in civil construction, this paper highlights the study on the behavior of welded connections between square hollow section column and I-beam, with emphasis on the assessment of the joint stiffness. Firstly, a theoretical analysis of the welded joints has been done focusing on prescriptions of the technical literature for the types of geometries mentioned. Then, a numerical analysis of the proposed joints were performed by the finite element method (FEM) with the software ANSYS 16.0. In this study, two models were evaluated for different parameters, such as the thickness of the cross section of the column and the sizes of cross section of the beams. The first model describes a connection in which one beam is connected to the column in a unique bending plane, while the second model describes a connection of two beams to the column in two bending planes. From the numerical results, the bending moment-rotation ($M-{\varphi}$) curve was plotted in order to determine the resistant bending moment and classify each connection according to its rotational capacity. Furthermore, an equation was established with the aim of estimating the rotational stiffness of welded I beam-to-RHS column connections, which can be used during the structure design. The results show that most of the connections are semi-rigid, highlighting the importance of considering the stiffness of the connections in the structure design.

• 한국공간구조학회논문집
• /
• 제11권2호
• /
• pp.111-118
• /
• 2011

단층 래티스 돔과 같은 스페이스 프레임 구조물은 대공간을 확보하기 위하여 강접합으로 설계함으로써 경제성과 심미성 등의 장점을 확보할 수 있다. 그러나 실제 구조물의 접합상태는 완전한 강접합도, 완전한 핀접합도 아닌 접합부 상세에 따라 중간적인 특성을 나타내는 반강접합이 일반적이다. 본 연구에서는 저자 등에 의해 제안된 Step-Up Erection 공법을 적용하여 단층 라멜라 돔의 접합부 강성에 따른 시공 중의 좌굴 특성을 해석적으로 규명하였다. 얻어진 결과는 시공 Step이 증가할수록 그리고 접합부 휨강성이 핀접합에 가까울수록 좌굴내력은 감소하였으며, 좌굴모드는 시공 Step이 증가할수록, 접합부 휨강성이 강접합에 가까울수록 돔의 정점 부근에서 뜀좌굴 현상에 의한 절점좌굴이 발생하였다. 또한, 시공 Step이 낮을 경우 저면 경계부의 원주방향 부재에서 큰 인장응력 분포를 나타내었으며, 시공 Step이 증가할수록 정점 중앙부에서 큰 압축응력 분포를 보였다. 완성돔을 제외한 시공 중 Step에서는 Step이 증가할수록, 접합부 휨강성이 핀접합에 가까울수록 저면부 경선방향 부재에서 큰 인장응력 분포를 나타내었다.