Numerical simulation of gusset plate connections with rectangular hollow section shape brace under quasi-static cyclic loading

In concentrically braced frames, gusset plate connections to rectangular hollow section braces are fabricated using welds to connect the gusset plate to both brace and flanges of the beam and of the column framing into the brace. The beam-to-column connection at the gusset plate is either welded or bolted. However, past experimental studies have indicated that undesirable failure modes could occur in the gusset plate even when using a linear clearance rule in the design of the gusset plate, especially when connecting hollow rectangular shapes.For these reasons, this study investigates through numerical analyses the local seismic performance of gusset plate connections with fully restrained beam-to-column connections as well as partially-restrained bolted connections. The latter are provided at the outside corner of the gusset plate, away from the face of the column, in order to facilitate the beam rotation at the bolted connection upon continued lateral deformation. The main goal of the study of the local performance of gusset plate connections is to validate the design procedure presented in this paper; to compare the various clearance rules proposed in the literature and to propose an alternative clearance rule to the linear clearance rule.The local performance is examined through detailed finite element models of a braced bay located at the ground floor of a four storey concentrically braced frame using the MIDAS finite element program. Finally, local performance of the models is compared in terms of strain concentrations in gusset plates, beams and columns.     

Influence of connection design parameters on the seismic performance of braced frames

Special concentrically braced frames (SCBFs) are commonly used lateral-load resisting systems in seismic design. In SCBFs, the braces are connected to the beams and columns by gusset plate connections, and inelastic deformation is developed through tensile yielding and inelastic post-buckling deformation of the brace. Recent experimental research has indicated that the seismic performance of SCBFs can be improved by designing the SCBF gusset plate connections with direct consideration of the seismic deformation demands and by permitting yielding in the gusset plate at select performance levels.Experimental research provides important information needed to improve SCBF behavior, but the high cost of experiments limits this benefit. To extend and better understand the experimental work, a companion analytical study was conducted. In an earlier paper, the inelastic finite element model and analysis procedure were developed and verified through detailed comparison to experimental results. In this paper, the model and analytical procedure extend the experimental results. A parametric study was conducted to examine the influence of the gusset plate and framing elements on the seismic performance of SCBFs and to calibrate and develop improved design models. The impact of the frame details, including the beam-to-column connections, the brace angles, and their inelastic deformation demands, was also explored. The results suggest that proper detailing of the connections can result in a large improvement in the frame performance.     

Cyclic behavior of concentrically braced frames with built-up braces composed of channel sections

Concentrically braced frames are earthquake resistant systems commonly used in buildings. Seismic behavior of this type of structures is affected by their configurations, brace properties, and brace to gusset plate connections. In this paper, the results of three experiments conducted to investigate the cyclic behavior of concentrically braced frames with braces built-up of double channels are reported. Significant damage was observed in beam to column connections. Large out of plane deformation of braces caused some cracks in the connector welds; however they did not result in fracture. Although large drift was applied to the frames, no brace fracture was observed. Furthermore, experiments showed that the majority of compressive strength in post-buckling state and a noticeable portion of tensile strength originated from frame action. By choosing connector spacing as the main parameter and using finite element models, a parametric study was performed to investigate the effect of this parameter on this type of frames with two different details of brace to gusset plate connections. It is observed that reducing the connector spacing increases the inelastic strain demand in braces and decreases it in gusset plates. However, gusset plates, which accommodate 2t linear clearance, are less dependent on connector spacing, compared to those accommodating 6t elliptical clearance. It seems that the limitations of slenderness ratio of individual section, stipulated in current seismic provisions, need further study.     

Improved analytical model for special concentrically braced frames

Special Concentrically Braced Frames are commonly used as the seismic resisting system in buildings. Their inherent strength and stiffness assure serviceable performance during smaller, more frequent earthquakes. Inelastic tensile yield and post-buckling compressive deformations of the brace dominate performance during large seismic events. However, inelastic deformations of the brace place secondary yet significant inelastic deformation demands on beams, columns, and connections, which significantly affect the seismic performance. These response modes must be included in an analytical model of the system to capture the response. However, conventional practice uses beam–column elements for the brace, to simulate brace buckling, with pin-ended or rigid end connections; these computer models cannot capture the full range of SCBF behaviors. The research presented in this paper was undertaken to develop a modeling approach for SCBFs to more accurately predict their seismic performance. Beam–column elements are used for the braces, beams and columns and these elements include nonlinear geometric effects to simulate brace buckling. A new connection model is proposed to simulate the behavior of the gusset plate. The model parameters are based upon the member sizes, properties and connection designs. Simulated results are compared with experimental results and predictions from approaches more commonly used in practice. Although a step beyond models currently used in design practice, the proposed model remains simple in its implementation and is suitable for a wide range of practical applications. The proposed model provides accurate simulation of global behavior, while retaining simplicity and providing reasonable predictions for many local behaviors.     

低屈服点钢扣板连接的试验研究

同心支撑框架被广泛用于钢结构房屋的抗震设计中。在地震激励下,同心支撑框架的支撑会承受循环拉压荷载。由于支撑的屈曲,其抗压强度通常低于抗拉强度,这可能会降低支撑框架的抗震性能。该文对采用弱扣板强支撑的设计理念进行了验证。扣板选用低屈服点钢(LYP),从而使设计的扣板在支撑屈曲前发生屈服。低屈服点钢的屈服强度很低,但其延性很好。通过一系列试验验证循环荷载作用下低屈服点钢扣板的性能。研究发现,在低屈服点钢扣板上增加槽型约束(STR)可以大大提高其抗震性能。在拉压荷载作用下,有槽型约束的低屈服点钢扣板可以提供类似大小的强度。扣板的耗能能力同样得到提高。基于此研究成果,给出低屈服点钢扣板的一些设计建议。     

Experimental study of low yield point steel gusset plate connections

Concentrically braced frames have been used widely in the seismic-resistant design of steel building structures. During earthquake excitation, the braces of the concentrically braced frame are subjected to recursive tensile and compressive forces. The compressive strength of the brace is usually less than its tensile strength because of the buckling of the brace, and this may degenerate the seismic resistance capacity of the braced frame. In this reported research, an alternative design concept that adopts the weak gusset plate-strong brace is examined. The gusset plate is designed to yield prior to the buckling of the brace. Low yield point (LYP) steel is selected for the gusset plate. The LYP steel possesses low yield strength and high elongation capacity. A series of experimental studies was carried out to examine the LYP steel gusset plates under cyclic loads. It is found that adding slot-type restrainers (STR) to the LYP steel gusset plate greatly enhances the seismic resistance of the gusset plate. The proposed LYP steel gusset plate with an STR is able to provide similar strengths under tensile and compressive loads. The energy dissipation capacity of the gusset plate is also increased substantially. Based on this study, suggestions are made for the design of LYP gusset plates.     

Cyclic behavior studies on I-section inverted V-braces and their gusset plate connections

Inverted V-braces and their central gusset plate connections are popular patterns of brace arrangements for special concentrically braced frames (SCBF). To improve the understanding of their seismic performances and promote their applications in seismic designs, the hysteretic behavior of nine I-section inverted V-braces and their gusset plate connections subject to inelastic cyclic loading is examined through experiments and analytical simulations. It is found that the clearance at the brace end on the gusset plate, the locations of the intersection point of bracing members, and the ratio of the free edge length to the gusset plate thickness are the key parameters. The loading capacities of braced frames show no decrease before the brace low-cycle fatigue fracture, but a longer plateau at a lower load level exists in the hysteretic loops. Although specimens with a linear clearance exhibit better seismic behaviors, a negative clearance is also acceptable as long as the gusset plate does not fracture prior to the braces. A brace intersection point with moderate eccentricity is preferable for its better behavior and its economical dimension of the gusset plate, but the brace point location in the gusset plate could induce out-of-plane deformations in the gusset plate and cause the system ductility to deteriorate. Based upon test results, a suggested limitation of the ratio of the free edge length to thickness for the gusset plates is presented.     

防屈曲支撑角部节点板与钢框架的相互作用效应

防屈曲支撑是一种高效稳定的耗能减震装置,其与框架结构一般通过焊接节点板形式连接。目前节点板连接设计方法仅考虑支撑轴力的影响,并没有直接考虑框架开合效应(梁柱在水平地震力下产生的张开/闭合变形)的不利作用,导致焊接节点板在连接处提前发生开裂。通过有限元模拟的方法,同时考虑开合效应和支撑轴力的共同影响,对防屈曲支撑钢框架与角部节点板连接的相互作用进行研究。有限元模型共5组,主要参数包括节点板尺寸、节点板与框架的连接形式以及节点板是否设置自由边加劲肋。在连接形式方面,提出了一种可减小开合效应不利影响的新型可滑移螺栓连接节点板,并与传统焊接节点板的受力性能进行比较。分析结果表明,平面尺寸较小的焊接节点板对结构的抗侧刚度影响最小,可减小设置防屈曲支撑的子框架所分担的地震剪力,相应的节点板受力性能也优于平面尺寸较大的焊接节点板|在焊接节点板上设置自由边加劲肋并不能明显改善其受力性能|所提出的新型可滑移螺栓连接节点板可有效减小节点板对结构刚度的影响,以及框架开合效应对节点板的不利影响,是一种在消能钢框架支撑体系中具有应用前景的新型节点板连接。     

Compressive behavior of central gusset plate connections for a buckling-restrained braced frame

Buckling-restrained braced frames (BRBFs) are used as lateral-load resisting systems in seismic design. The braces in BRBFs are connected to beams and columns by gusset plate connections, and can yield in both tension and compression instead of buckling. Although tests of buckling-restrained braces (BRBs) have demonstrated their ability to withstand significant inelastic axial deformation, large-scale BRBF tests have exhibited central gusset plate buckling before BRBs develop the ultimate compressive strength. To extend and better understand the experimental work, this paper presents an analytical study of the compressive behavior for BRBF central gusset plate connections using the finite element computer program ABAQUS. A model of a previously tested BRBF is conducted to predict experimental buckling load of the central gusset plate and verify the accuracy of a simple model of a central gusset plate connection including a beam and part of the BRB. The out-of-plane deformation of the central gusset plate resembles the buckled shape of a gusset plate with low bending rigidity provided by the BRB end. The experimental buckling load of the central gusset plate cannot be predicted based on the AISC-LRFD approach with an effective column length factor of 1.2. Therefore, a parametric study on the compressive strength of BRBF central gusset plate connections is conducted with various gusset plate dimensions and free-edge stiffeners. An inelastic plate buckling equation together with coefficient charts is proposed to predict ultimate load. For gusset plates with sufficient free-edge stiffener rigidity, the yield load can be developed and increased to the post-yield strength level. A required free-edge stiffener size is also recommended for BRBF central gusset plates to develop compressive yield load.     

工字截面倒V型支撑及其节点板在循环荷载作用下的性能研究

倒V型支撑及其中心节点板连接在特殊中心支撑框架中备受青睐。为了提高其抗震性能和在抗震设计中的应用,对9个非弹性往复荷载作用下的工字截面倒V型支撑及其节点板的滞回性能进行试验和数值模拟。主要参数为:节点板上支撑端部间隙、支撑杆件节点位置、自由端长度与节点板厚的比值。在支撑低周疲劳破坏前,框架的极限承载力并没有降低,但有一个长期的低承载稳定阶段。虽然有直线间隙的试件抗震性能良好,但只要节点板不先于支撑破坏,也可以不设间隙。中等偏心的支撑节点性能很好且尺寸也很经济,但节点板上的支撑杆件位置可能引起板面外变形并降低结构延性。基于试验结果,提出节点板自由边长度与厚度比值限值。     

T形钢管混凝土插板连接节点受弯性能研究

采用精细化有限元分析方法对T形钢管混凝土插拔连接节点的平面内受弯性能进行了研究.首先通过与试验结果进行对比,验证了精细化有限元模型的正确性和准确性.在此基础上研究了主管壁厚、支管壁厚、主管形式和混凝土强度对节点破坏模式和承载力的影响.结果表明,钢管混凝土插板连接节点的破坏模式和钢管插板连接节点不同,为主管冲剪破坏和支管...     

H形梁翼缘与端板非全熔透焊接的节点性能试验研究

对H形梁翼缘与端板分别采用全熔透焊接和非全熔透焊接的节点进行了对比试验。选择板件宽厚比、端板厚度、翼缘板与端板平面的夹角等设计参数,对24个试件进行了单调加载试验,6个试件进行了反复加载试验。试验结果表明:节点无一例发生焊缝破坏,焊缝形式对连接的最大荷载、翼缘近焊缝端应变以及滞回性能等无明显影响;在以局部屈曲为主要控制模式进行设计的轻型门式刚架中,无论对单调静力荷载还是反复荷载,H形梁翼缘与端板的连接都可采用非全熔透焊接。     

Evaluation of the Effect of End-Connection Specifications on Lateral Bearing Capacity of Concentrically Braced Steel Frames

Concentrically braced steel frames should be capable of bearing considerable amounts of lateral force. The connection of these frames to beams and columns plays an important role in this respect. This connection is designed to either prevent end-connection problems caused by free buckling of a member or reinforce the gusset plate to reduce damages caused by possible buckling of a member at the connection. In order to assess seismic and buckling behaviors of braces under different conditions, 8 single-span one-story frames with diagonal braces were studied using a finite-element software. The first two models were implemented to assess the impact of end clearance, while the other six models were used to study the effects of different stiffeners on the gusset plates. Results showed that, proper incorporation of stiffeners can prevent early failure of the gusset plate connection and enhance post-buckling behavior.     

Comparison the capacity of box steel columns,fabricated with groove and fillet welds

Currently, box columns are fabricated by welding plates using fillet or groove welds. According to probable seismic failure mechanism of these columns, their nonlinear behavior in terms of ductility and strength is necessary. In this research, a variety of columns with different welding patterns including groove and fillet welding with various overlap values and weld legs are numerically modeled and their nonlinear behavior is studied in finite element domain by using ABAQUS software. Suitable welding pattern is proposed by evaluation the energy absorption as well as stress distribution and concentration in box section. Results indicate that the section fabricated through groove welding has the best nonlinear performance and in the next priority, the sections with overlap size and weld leg equal to 20 and 80, or 50 and 50 percent of plate thickness, respectively, lead to suitable performance.     

Fatigue of girth butt weld for cast steel node connection in tower structure under wave loadings

The application of cast steel node shows a popular tendency in long‐span space structures. The girth butt welds in the joint are the critical parts under fatigue loading. This study presents a fatigue life evaluation of the girth butt welds for the cast steel node connections, which are in a steel tower structure on an offshore platform under heavy wave fatigue loadings. The refined node FEM model is built including the welds. The random waves are treated as ergodic stationary stochastic process; the node structure is considered as a linear dynamic amplification system to decide its output of the stress amplitude response while the random wave is inputted into the system. The welds are designed as different details of bilateral weld, single‐sided weld with a sleeve, single‐sided weld with a backing plate or without a backing plate. The fatigue life of every weld detail is studied by hot‐spot stress method, and the design of weld detail combination is analyzed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of gusset connection configurations on frame–gusset interaction in steel buckling‐restrained braced frame

Although buckling restrained braces (BRBs) are commonly applied in seismic buildings to mitigate structural damage, their performance was often limited by rupture of the corner gusset connections due to additional frame action. This issue may be resolved by alternative gusset connections to mitigate the frame–gusset interaction. In this study, commonly used procedures for design of the traditional gusset connection are reviewed, followed by a case study on the effect of frame action on the structural behavior of these gusset connections in steel frames with BRBs. Inspired by these analysis, two different strategies, aiming at releasing frame–gusset shear interaction using sliding gusset connection or reducing normal interaction using dual gusset plates, are tried to mitigate the frame action effects. Finite element analysis is conducted on steel frame subassemblages with/without BRBs to examine the effect of different gusset connections on the structural behavior of these framing systems. It shows that the sliding gusset connection shows beneficial effect in reducing the frame action, having much smaller stress responses on the gusset interfaces, as well as smaller shear force and plastic responses on the framing system. Thus, it becomes a promising gusset connection for improved seismic performance of the steel framing system with brace‐type dampers.     

Behavior and design of gusset plate connections in compression

A total of thirteen full-scale tests were conducted to investigate the compressive behavior and strength of gusset plate connections. The test parameters included gusset plate thickness, size, and brace angle. In addition, the effects of frame action on the compressive behavior of gusset plate connections were also investigated. In general, the gusset plate specimens were failed by sway buckling of the connection since no out-of-plane restraint was provided from the bracing member. The test results indicated that, in general, significant yielding of the gusset plate specimens occurred prior to reaching the ultimate load. However, only limited yielding was observed for the thin specimens with a plate thickness of 6.5 mm. The ultimate load of the specimens increased almost linearly proportional to the gusset plate thickness and decreased with increasing plate size. A slight decrease in the ultimate load of the specimens was observed when a 30° brace angle was used instead of a 45° one. The beam and column moment had only negligible effects on the ultimate load of the specimens; however, yielding of the specimens was detected at a load level significantly lower than that had no framing moment. The numerical simulation provided good agreement with the test results.     

含挫屈束制消能斜撑构架效应之接合板耐震设计与试验分析

本研究主要探讨挫屈束制消能斜撑构架中梁柱效应及斜撑轴力效应对接合板耐震行为影响,利用一层楼挫屈束制消能斜撑构架试验及非线性有限元素分析,研究接合板在斜撑构架下的受力行为。本研究考虑接合板在同时承受构架效应(梁及柱剪力效应)及斜撑轴力下的影响,提出等效支撑概念计算接合板在受构架开合(梁及柱剪力)下的力量,如此将接合板的受力分为由构架及斜撑分别提供,再由有限元素分析观察的梁与接合板及柱与接合板界面应力分布,计算接合板端部应力值,以设计接合板及加劲板尺寸。藉由试验及有限元素分析所量测的梁、柱及斜撑力量,配合本研究提出的理论计算接合板在受梁柱开合效应下及斜撑力量下的受力模式,比对试验与分析下接合板端部的应力极值,验证此理论准确性,并建议设计准则,以确保接合板在达到设计层间侧位移角时无破坏产生。     

管板连接轴心受拉构件极限承载力试验研究

对6个管板连接构件进行了受拉极限承载力试验研究和有限元分析。试验表明,试件的破坏均为长槽孔末端钢管横截面被拉断,其中,用板补强的试件GPT-3和GPT-6在破坏前钢管出现了明显的颈缩。分析表明,试验结果和有限元分析结果吻合良好,现行美国规范(ANSI/AISC 360-05)和加拿大规范(CAN/CSA-S16-01)中未补强的管板连接受拉承载力设计公式安全适用。研究表明,管板连接构件在受拉过程中,剪切滞后现象非常严重;长槽孔末端绕焊的焊缝质量对构件的受拉极限承载力有很大的影响。     

Earthquake-induced net section fracture in brace connections — experiments and simulations

Results from six tests, finite element simulations and a synthesis of previous test programs on slotted end bracing connections are presented. The main objective of the research is to examine the deformation capacity of these connections, with the ultimate objective of minimizing the requirement for net section reinforcement that is often inconvenient from the perspective of fabrication. The experiments and simulations feature commonly used pipe specimens and end details. The main parameters investigated include the gusset plate thickness, the slot length and introduction of a wrap-around weld that eliminates the reduced section at the edge of the gusset plate. The results indicate that even without reinforcement, the connections offer adequate to excellent deformation capacity if they are provided with the wrap-around weld or if the net section strength is larger than the gross yield strength. This may be achieved in situations where shear lag in the connection is minimal, and where the area reduction due to the slot is small relative to the gross area. Design considerations are presented along with limitations of the study.