• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.237-252
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• 2023

The article describes the development of a novel dissipative bracing connection device (identified by the acronym DRBrC) for concentrically braced frames in steel and composite structures. The origins of the device trace back to the seminal work of Kelly, Skinner and Heine (1972), and, more directly related, to the PIN-INERD device, overcoming some of its limitations and greatly improving the replaceability characteristics. The connection device is composed of a rigid housing, connected to both the brace and the beam-column connection (or just the column), in which the axial force transfer is achieved by four-point bending of a dissipative pin. The experimental validation stages, presented in detail, consisted of a preliminary testing campaign, resulting in successive improvements of the original device design, followed by a systematic parametric testing campaign. That final campaign was devised to study the influence of the constituent materials (S235 and Stainless Steel, for the pin, and S355 and High Strength Steel, for the housing), of the geometry (four-point bending intermediate spans) and of the loading history (constant amplitude or increasing cyclic alternate). The main conclusions point to the most promising DRBrC device configurations, also presenting some suggestions in terms of the replaceability requirements.

• Journal of the Earthquake Engineering Society of Korea
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• v.11 no.6
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• pp.63-68
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• 2007

The purpose of this study was to develop a new connection method between steel beams and PC columns known as SL connectors. Composite moment frames consisting of PC columns (or composite columns) and steel beams make the best use of advantages of both concrete and steel materials. However, the connection between two members of different materials can be complex and/or increase the fabrication costs significantly. The concept of SL connectors is based on using wedges and the emphasis is on a self-locking (SL) feature. SL connectors are easy to install and provide better seismic performance compared to conventional connections. To evaluate the seismic performance of the steel beam-to-PC column joints with SL connectors, cyclic load tests were conducted. Test result showed that steel beam-to-concrete column joint with SL connectors was able to provide sufficient performance for use in seismic resistant moment frames.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.411-425
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• 1998

The effective length factor of a framed column may be determined by means of the alignment chart procedure. This method is based on many unrealistic assumptions, among which is that all columns have the same stiffness parameter, which is dependent on the length, axial load, and moment of inertia of the column. A new approximate method is developed for the determination of effective length factors for columns in unbraced frames. This method takes into account the effects of inelastic column behaviour, far end conditions of the restraining beams and columns, semi-rigid beam-to-column connections, and differentiated stiffness parameters of columns. This method may be implemented on a microcomputer. A numerical study was carried out to demonstrate the extent to which the involved parameters affect the K factor. The beam-to-column connection stiffness, the stiffness parameter of columns, and the far end conditions of restraining members have a significant effect on the K factor of the column under investigation. The developed method is recommended for design purposes.

• Journal of Korean Society of Steel Construction
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.295-304
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• 2011

Bracket-type connection is often used for the weak-axis steel connection. In general, a beam-to-column connection for the bracket type is fabricated at the shop and abeam splice is additionally attached to the bracket in the site. Therefore, steel construction would not be competitive due to the increase of beam splice fabrication cost and overall construction period. This paper now proposes the new weak-axis connection types without a scallop, which has more definite strength flow, simple connection details, and better workability. From the series of experiments, the proposed connections showed better strength and ductility in comparison with standard details with scallop because the thickness of the welding plate for wide-flanged, beam-to-column connection can be easily adjusted.

• Journal of the Korea institute for structural maintenance and inspection
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.219-223
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• 2002

The actual behavior of joint is traditionally disregarded in steel frame design. In fact, the structural analysis of steel frames is generally carried out by assuming that joints fulfil the ideal condition of either a hinge or a fixed-end restraints. In this way, calculations are made somewhat simpler, but the structural model is not able to reflect the actual structural response. Therefore, steel frame classification system for estimation or analysis about behavior of steel frame should be established, and range that each connections belongs should be divided definitely. This research presents realistic and practical moment-rotation relation through investigation and analysis of steel frame beam-to-column classification system.

• Journal of Korean Society of Steel Construction
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• v.15 no.5 s.66
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• pp.579-589
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• 2003

Most beam-to-column connections are symmetrically reinforced because of the reverse action caused by earthquakes. However, in weak-earthquake regions like Korea, asymmetrically reinforced connections could be used. In particular, the connections between concrete-filled tube (CFT) column and H-shape beam could be applied using a simplified lower diaphragm. The tensile capacity or Combined Cross Diaphragm for upper reinforcing was tested using a simple tension test. Four types for lower reinforcing combined Cross, none, horizontal T-bar, and vertical plate were tested using the ANSI/AISC SSPEC 2002 loading program. Horizontal T-bar and stud bolts in vertical flat, bar transmit tensile stress from the beam's bottom flange to filled concrete. All test specimens satisfied 0.01 radian inelastic rotational requirement in ordinary moment frame of AISC seismic provision. According to the results of the parametric studies simplified lower diaphragms demonstrated outstanding strength, stiffness, and plastic deformation capacity which could lead to more sufficient seismic performance in the field.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.8 no.5
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• pp.403-421
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• 2008

The design provisions for semi-rigid steel frames have been incorporated in codes of practice for steel structures. In order to do the same, it is necessary to know the experimental moment-relative rotation (M-${\theta}_r$) behaviour of beam-to-column connections. In spite of numerous publications and collection of several connection databases, there is no unified approach for the semi-rigid design of steel frames. Amongst the many connection models available, the Frye-Morris polynomial model, with its limitations reported in the literature, is simple to adopt at least for the linear design space. However this model requires more number of connection tests and regression analyses to make it a realistic prediction model. In this paper, 3D nonlinear finite element (FE) analysis of beam-column connection specimens, carried out using ABAQUS software, for evaluating the M-${\theta}_r$ behaviour of semi-rigid top and seat-angle (TSA) bolted connections are described. The finite element model is validated against experimental behaviour of the same connection with regard to their moment-rotation behaviour, stress distribution and mode of failure of the connections. The calibrated FE model is used to evaluate the performance of the Frye-Morris polynomial model. The results of the numerical parametric studies carried out using the validated FE model have been used in proposing modifications to the Frye-Morris model for TSA connection in terms of the powers of the size parameters.

• Proceedings of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute Conference
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• 2007.04a
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• pp.845-850
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• 2007

The empirical AISC panel zone thickness provision$(t_z\geq(d_z+w_z)$/90) to prevent the cyclic shear buckling of the panel zone was proposed based on the test data of Krawinkler et al. (1971) and Bertero et al. (1973) However, no published records of the equation development or any other background information appear to be available. The calibrated finite element analysis results of this study indicated that the AISC provision was not reasonable. In this study, through including the effects of the column axial force and the aspect ratio of the panel zone, a new equation for the relative strength between the beam and the panel zone was proposed such that the proposed equation can prevent the panel zone shear buckling and reduce the potential fracture associated with the kinking of the column flanges.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.493-499
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• 2017

The behaviour of steel frames is highly influenced by the beam-column connections. Traditionally, Steel frames were usually designed assuming that connections are ideally pinned or fully rigid. A semi-rigid connection, however, creates a balance between the two extreme approaches mentioned above. In this research, two full scales of Extended End Plate Connections (EEPCs) were tested. Mathematical and numerical models were used to analyse the connections, and close correlations were found between these models and the corresponding tested specimens, which confirmed the confidence in the experimental results. The experimental results obtained enrich the available test data about behaviour of EEPC. In addition, the purpose of studying EEPC experimentally is to compare the stiffness and moment-rotation curve of EEPCs with that of Cap Plate Connections (CPCs), which were tested in a previous work. CPCs have not been studied sufficiently in the literature. The results obtained show that the typical CPC reduces the connection stiffness and these results will make a valuable contribution to the available test data in the research area of CPC.

• Journal of Korean Society of Steel Construction
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.395-405
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• 2001

A test program was conducted on seismic-resistant steel moment connections constructed using Reduced Beam Sections with beam web openings. In the connection, in order to enhance ductility capacity under severe cyclic loads, a portion of the beam web near the beam-to-column connection is cut out instead of the beam flange as in dogbone connections. A total of 4 large scale specimens were tested in this program. The specimens were all made using $H-458{\times}417{\times}30{\times}50$ sections for the columns and $H-792{\times}300{\times}14{\times}22$ sections for the beams. Test specimens showed excellent performance similar to that of dogbone connections.