Experimental study on full-scale steel beam-to-column moment connections

Ten full-scale steel beam-to-column moment connections used in moment-resisting frames （MRFs） were tested to study the failure process, failure mode, strength and plastic rotation capacity. The specimens include one traditional welded flange-bolted web connection, one traditional fully welded connection, four beam flange strengthened connections, three beam flange weakened connections, and one through-diaphragm connection. The test results show that the connections with flange cover plates or with partly cut beam flanges satisfy the beam plastic rotation demand for ductile MRFs. From the measured stress profiles along the beam flange and beam web depth, the mechanics of brittle fracture at the end of the beam is discussed. Design recommendations for steel beam-to-column moment connections are proposed.     

低周反复荷载作用下矩形钢管混凝土柱与钢梁连接节点的受力性能

本文进行了2种矩形钢管混凝土柱与钢梁连接节点——翼缘全螺栓(BFP)连接节点与外加强环(WFP-BW)连接节点在柱端低周反复荷载作用下的抗震性能试验,分析比较了这2类节点与焊接翼缘板(WFP)连接节点在不同轴压比下的滞回性能、强度与刚度退化、延性比与耗能比、破坏机理与破坏特征,得出了一些有参考价值的结论。     

Test and simulation of full-scale self-centering beam-to-column connection

A new type of beam-to-column connection for steel moment flames, designated as a ＂self-centering connection,＂ is studied. In this connection, bolted top-and-seat angles, and post-tensioned （PT） high-strength steel strands running along the beam are used. The PT strands tie the beam flanges on the column flange to resist moment and provide self-centering force. After an earthquake, the connections have zero deformation, and can be restored to their original status by simply replacing the angles. Four full-scale connections were tested under cyclic loading. The strength, energy-dissipation capacity, hysteresis curve, as well as angles and PT strands behavior of the connections are investigated. A general FEM analysis program called ABAQUS 6.9 is adopted to model the four test specimens. The numerical and test results match very well. Both the test and analysis results suggest that： （1） the columns and beams remain elastic while the angles sustain plastic deformations for energy dissipation when the rotation of the beam related to the column equals 0.05 tad, （2） the energy dissipation capacity is enhanced when the thickness of the angle is increased, and （3） the number of PT strands has a significant influence on the behavior of the connections, whereas the distance between the strands is not as important to the performance of the connection.     

Seismic performance and comparison of three different I beam to box column joints

Despite the inherently advantages of the box column, finding the best option for the I beam to the box column connection is the main challenge in using the box column as a structural member for special moment frames. In this paper, the seismic performance of unreinforced connection, weakened connection and strengthened connection was evaluated through a comprehensive experimental program. The seismic comparisons were fabricated by assessing the strength, ductility and energy dissipation in each configuration. Three full scale tests with several connections were carried out. All the specimens were subjected to cyclic loading and prior to failure by forming a plastic hinge in the beam, all the connections managed to reach an inelastic rotation of more than 6.0% rad. The experimental and analytical results showed that the seismic performance of the strengthened connection with flange and shear plates turned out to be the most effective in the beam to the box column connection. Moreover, the normalized stress distribution of the continuity plates revealed that the possibility of the weld fracture in unreinforced connection is more than other specimens.     

新型方钢管混凝土柱-钢梁节点抗震性能试验研究

通过柱端加载的低周反复荷载试验对8个内隔板三边焊接,而在未焊一边柱壁板上布置圆柱头栓钉的方钢管混凝土柱-H形钢梁节点进行了试验研究,研究了不同轴压比情况下节点的破坏模式、延性、耗能性能等。试验结果表明,破坏之前节点具有良好的滞回性能、延性及耗能能力,满足现行抗震规范的要求。该节点可以用于方钢管混凝土柱两侧弯矩相差较大时,弯矩较小一侧节点。提出了相关的设计建议。     

Seismic performance of a 3D full‐scale high‐ductile steel–concrete composite moment‐resisting frame—Part II: Test results and analytical validation

This paper presents the results of a multi‐level pseudo‐dynamic seismic test program that was performed to assess the performance of a full‐scale three‐bay, two‐storey steel–concrete composite moment‐resisting frame built with partially encased composite columns and partial‐strength beam‐to‐column joints. The system was designed to develop a ductile response in the joint components of beam‐to‐column joints including flexural yielding of beam end plates and shear yielding of the column web panel zone. The ground motion producing the damageability limit state interstorey drift caused minor damage while the ultimate limit state ground motion level entailed column web panel yielding, connection yielding and plastic hinging at the column base connections. The earthquake level chosen to approach the collapse limit state induced more damage and was accompanied by further column web panel yielding, connection yielding and inelastic phenomena at column base connections without local buckling. During the final quasi‐static cyclic test with stepwise increasing displacement–amplitudes up to an interstorey drift angle of 4.6%, the behaviour was ductile although cracking of beam‐to‐end‐plate welds was observed. Correlations with numerical simulations taking into account the inelastic cyclic response of beam‐to‐column and column base joints are also presented in the paper together. Inelastic static pushover and time history analysis procedures are used to estimate the structural behaviour and overstrength factors of the structural system under study. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Influence of connection typology on seismic response of MR‐Frames with and without ‘set‐backs’

The work presented is aimed at the investigation of the influence of beam‐to‐column connections on the seismic response of MR‐Frames, with and without ‘set‐backs’, designed according to the Theory of Plastic Mechanism Control. The investigated connection typologies are four partial strength connections whose structural details have been designed to obtain the same flexural resistance. The first three joints are designed by means of hierarchy criteria based on the component approach and are characterized by different location of the weakest joint component, leading to different values of joint rotational stiffness and plastic rotation supply and affecting the shape of the hysteresis loops governing the dissipative capacity. The last typology is a beam‐to‐column connection equipped with friction pads devoted to the dissipation of the earthquake input energy, thus preventing the connection damage. An appropriate modelling is needed to accurately represent both strength and deformation characteristics, especially with reference to partial‐strength connections where the dissipation of the earthquake input energy occurs. To this aim, beam‐to‐column joints are modelled by means of rotational inelastic springs located at the ends of the beams whose moment‐rotation curve is characterized by a cyclic behaviour which accounts for stiffness and strength degradation and pinching phenomena. The parameters characterizing the cyclic hysteretic behaviour have been calibrated on the base of experimental results aiming to the best fitting. Successively, the prediction of the structural response of MR‐Frames, both regular frames and frames with set‐backs, equipped with such connections has been carried out by means of both push‐over and Incremental Dynamic Analyses. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

锚定式方钢管混凝土柱与钢梁节点抗震性能试验研究

通过低周反复加载试验对6个锚定式方钢管混凝土柱-H形钢梁节点进行了试验研究,研究了不同轴压比情况下节点的破坏模式、延性、耗能性能、强度及刚度退化等。试验结果表明,破坏之前节点具有良好的滞回性能、延性及耗能能力,满足现行抗震规范的要求。锚定式方钢管混凝土梁柱节点可以用于拉力较小的节点。文中提出了有关的设计建议。     

Influence of different mechanical column-foundation connection devices on the seismic behaviour of precast structures

Dry-assembled precast concrete frame structures are typically made with dowel beam-to-column connections, which allow relative rotation along the beam direction. In the orthogonal direction the rotation of the beam is prevented but again the connections of the superimposed floor elements allow for relative rotation. All the ductility and energy dissipation demand in case of seismic action is therefore concentrated at the base of cantilever columns. Hence, the column-to-foundation connection plays a key role on the seismic performance of such structures. Mechanical connection devices, even if correctly designed for what concerns resistance, may affect the behaviour of the whole joint modifying the ductility capacity of the columns and their energy dissipation properties. An experimental campaign on different mechanical connection devices has been performed at Politecnico di Milano within the Safecast project (European programme FP7-SME-2007-2, Grant agreement No. 218417, 2009). The results of cyclic tests on full scale structural sub-assembly specimens are presented. Design rules are suggested for each of the tested connections on the basis of the experimental observations, and numerical analyses have been performed with hysteretic parameters calibrated on the experimental loops. The seismic performance of structures provided with those connections is investigated through a case study on a multi-storey precast building prototype, which has also been subject to full-scale pseudo-dynamic testing within the same research project at the European Laboratory of Structural Assessment of the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission. The comparison of the results from the structure provided with the different studied connections clearly highlights how some solutions may lead to both reduction of ductility capacity and dissipation of energy, increasing the expected structural damage and the seismic risk.     

Bidirectional seismic performance of steel beam to circular tubular column connections with outer diaphragm

This paper presents an experimental investigation on the seismic behavior of H‐beam to circular tubular column connections stiffened by an outer ring diaphragm. An innovative three‐dimensional (3D) connection subassembly testing system was first described. Specimens representative of two‐dimensional (2D) interior columns, 3D interior and exterior columns in a steel building frame were then tested to failure under unidirectional or bidirectional cyclic loads. Various specimen parameters are used to evaluate their effects on connection behavior. Test results indicate significantly different failure modes for 2D and 3D weak panel connections, with panel shear buckling and local distortion of outer diaphragm occurring only for 3D connections. The weak beam connections unexceptionally exhibited final fracture at the junction between diaphragm and beam flange. In contrast with weak beam connections, weak panel connections demonstrated better seismic performance and ductility. As a result, a seismic design philosophy considering panel zone yielding before beam flexural yielding is proposed. Based on experiment observations, small diaphragm width and simplified fillet welding are found to be feasible especially for weak beam connections, improving architectural appearance and facilitating construction. Strength evaluations also suggest that current AIJ design provisions may be appropriate when applied to panel zones in 3D connections. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

铰接隅撑钢框架抗震性能研究

传统抗弯钢框架的梁柱节点通常设计为刚性连接,这种刚性节点具有很大的抗弯刚度,然而节点延性不足,罕遇地震作用导致节点脆性断裂.研究学者提出了多种解决该问题的思路,例如半刚性连接节点、节点加强或削弱方法使塑性铰外移等.本文提出了一种简化的梁柱节点连接方式-铰接连接,改变梁柱节点的传力方式,在节点处设置隅撑提供框架的抗侧刚度...     

Interior wide beam-column connections in existing RC frames subjected to lateral earthquake loading

The seismic performance of two RC interior wide beam-column connections representative of existing frames designed and detailed according to past construction practices in the moderate-seismicity Mediterranean area was investigated experimentally. The specimens were subjected to axial loads, moderate levels of gravity loading and cyclic displacements up to failure. The specimens exhibited a “strong column-weak beam” type of flexural yielding mechanism. The wide beams did not reach the expected capacities corresponding to the formation of a full-width plastic hinge. The wide-beam longitudinal bars exhibited significant slippage, and the transverse beams underwent severe torsion cracking and even failure; this caused severe pinching in the load versus displacement hysteretic loops and exacerbated the intrinsic flexibility of this type of connection. The average drift ratios at first yielding of the wide beam longitudinal reinforcement and at failure were 2.7 and 4.5%, respectively. The displacement ductility ratio was about 2.8. The ultimate energy dissipation capacity of each specimen—obtained by dividing the total plastic strain energy by the product of the yield load and yield displacement—was approximately 9, which is about one fourth of the value recommended for providing adequate seismic performance. Finally, a simple approach is suggested for prediction of the bending capacity of existing connections.     

水平加劲肋对刚性梁柱全焊节点力学性能的影响分析

梁柱节点是钢框架的关键连接部分,其连接性能直接影响框架结构在荷载作用下的整体行为。采用有限元法对刚性梁柱全焊节点的力学性能进行数值模拟,分析不同受力条件下全焊节点的力学行为,揭示不同弯矩作用时刚性梁沿长度方向的Mises应力变化特性,并对比分析有无水平加劲肋对全焊节点位移和Mises应力的影响规律。结果表明：有水平加劲肋的全焊节点总位移明显小于无水平加劲肋的,弯矩为65kN·m时,有水平加劲肋与无水平加劲肋全焊节点位移差值出现突变,且有水平加劲肋时,全焊节点转角随着所施弯矩的增大近似呈指数变化;无论有无水平加劲肋,Mises应力值从悬臂梁自由边缘到梁柱连接节点逐渐增大,梁与柱连接节点的Mises应力值较大,柱腹板节点域的Mises应力值最大。对比发现,有水平加劲肋时,悬臂梁及柱腹板节点域的Mises应力明显小于无水平加劲肋时的。由此可见,水平加劲肋可有效提高刚性梁柱全焊节点的承载能力,并有效防止节点处应力集中。     

Probabilistic evaluation of seismic performance of 3‐story 3D one‐ and two‐way steel moment‐frame structures

This paper presents the results of a probabilistic evaluation of the seismic performance of 3D steel moment‐frame structures. Two types of framing system are considered: one‐way frames typical of construction in the United States and two‐way frames typical of construction in Japan. For each framing system, four types of beam–column connections are considered: pre‐Northridge welded‐flange bolted‐web, post‐Northridge welded‐flange welded‐web, reduced‐beam‐section, and bolted‐flange‐plate connections. A suite of earthquake ground motions is used to compute the annual probability of exceedence (APE) for a series of drift demand levels and for member plastic‐rotation capacity. Results are compared for the different framing systems and connection details. It is found that the two‐way frames, which have a larger initial stiffness and strength than the one‐way frames for the same beam and column volumes, have a smaller APE for small drift demands for which members exhibit no or minimal yielding, but have a larger APE for large drift demands for which members exhibit large plastic rotations. However, the one‐way frames, which typically comprise a few seismic frames with large‐sized members that have relatively small rotation capacities, may have a larger APE for member failure. The probabilistic approach presented in this study may be used to determine the most appropriate frame configuration to meet an owner's performance objectives. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Seismic rehabilitation performance of steel side plate moment connections

Moment connections in an existing steel building located in Kaohsiung, Taiwan were rehabilitated to satisfy seismic requirements based on the 2005 AISC seismic provisions. Construction of the building was ceased in 1996 due to financial difficulties and was recommenced in 2007 with enhanced connection performance. Steel moment connections in the existing building were constructed by groove welding the beam flanges and bolting the beam web to the column. Four moment connections, two from the existing steel building, were cyclically tested. A non‐rehabilitated moment connection with bolted web‐welded flanges was tested as a benchmark. Three moment connections rehabilitated by welding full‐depth side plates between the column face and beam flange inner side were tested to validate the rehabilitation performance. Test results revealed that (1) the non‐rehabilitated existing moment connection made by in situ welding process prior to 1996 had similar deformation capacity as contemporary connection specimens made by laboratory welding process, (2) all rehabilitated moment connections exhibited excellent performance, exceeding a 4% drift without fractures of beam flange groove‐welded joints, and (3) presence of the full‐depth side plates effectively reduced beam flange tensile strain near the column face by almost half compared with the non‐rehabilitated moment connection. The connection specimens were also modeled using the non‐linear finite element computer program ABAQUS to further confirm the effectiveness of the side plate in transferring beam moments to the column and to investigate potential sources of connection failure. A design procedure was made based on experimental and analytical studies. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Performance evaluation of steel reduced flange plate moment connections

This study details a new moment connection that overcomes difficulties in achieving field‐weld quality and eliminates steel beam buckling encountered in steel moment connections. This study presents cyclic test and finite element analysis results of full‐scale subassemblies using steel reduced flange plates (RFPs) to connect steel beam flanges and the column without any other direct connection. Since the RFP connection is designed as strong column‐strong beam‐weak RFPs, the RFP functions as a structural fuse that eliminates weld fractures and beam buckling. Test and analytical results show that (1) the connections transferred the entire beam flexural strength to the column and reached an interstorey drift of 4% with minor strength degradation, (2) failure of the connections was owing to buckling or fracturing of the RFP and not of the beam, and (3) the RFP connection subassembly, modelled using the nonlinear finite element computer program ABAQUS, exhibited hysteretic behaviour similar to that of the flange plate (FP) moment connection subassembly. The inelastic buckling force of the RFP was also evaluated by nonlinear regression analyses performed on a nonlinear model that relates buckling force to RFP geometries. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of non‐moment braced frame seismic deformations on buckling‐restrained brace end connection behavior: Theoretical analysis and subassemblage tests

In‐plane buckling‐restrained brace (BRB) end rotation induced by frame action is a commonly observed phenomenon in buckling‐restrained braced frames (BRBFs). However, its effect on BRB end connection behavior has not yet been clear. In this study, four BRB end deformation modes for quick determination of end rotational demand are proposed for non‐moment BRBF considering different BRB arrangements, installing story of BRBs, and boundary condition of corner gussets connected with column base. Key factors affecting BRB end rotation and flexural moments are examined theoretically by parametric analysis. Subassemblage tests of seven BRB specimens under horizontal cyclic loading were conducted by adopting two loading frames to impose the expected BRB end deformations. It shows that BRB end rotation subjected BRB ends to significant flexural moments, leading to premature yielding of BRB ends or even tendency of end zone buckling. The deformation modes, the flexural rigidity of BRB ends, and the initial geometric imperfections of BRBs were found to have significant influence on BRB end connection behavior. The triggering moment induced by BRB end rotation was the main contributor to end flexural moment. However, the moment amplification effect induced by flexure of BRB end zones became prominent especially for small flexural rigidity of BRB ends. Implications and future research needs for design of BRB end connections are provided finally based on the theoretical and experimental results. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

装配式圆钢管柱-钢梁节点抗震性能试验研究

为验证新型装配式圆钢管柱-钢梁节点的破坏模式及抗震性能,进行了3个十字形节点的低周反复循环加载试验。研究了不同试件节点的破坏模式、滞回性能、延性及耗能性能等。试验结果表明:试件的位移延性系数为3.38~3.44,能量耗散系数为1.72~2.25,节点具有良好的滞回性能、延性及耗能能力,满足现行规范设计要求。建议在采用新型装配式节点时,梁柱连接处可同时采用加强型连接或骨式连接,以获得良好的抗震性能。     

装配式预制混凝土框架结构拟动力试验研究

本文对2个采用橡胶垫螺栓连接梁柱节点的单层两跨的装配式预制混凝土框架结构进行拟动力试验,考察结构的破坏模式,研究结构的强度、刚度、滞回、耗能等抗震性能。试验结果表明:此类装配式预制混凝土框架结构具有较好的抗震性能,当层间位移角达到1/25时,结构仍具有一定的承载能力,采用橡胶垫螺栓连接的梁柱节点抗震性能良好,结构体系破坏模式为柱底弯曲破坏。