Analysis of Anti-Collapse Performance of Beam–Column Substructure with Welded Flange-Bolted Web Connection in Minor-Axis Direction Under Different Span Ratios

Abstract

The failure modes, mechanical properties, and resistance mechanisms of beam–column substructures with welded flange-bolted web connection in the minor-axis direction under different span ratios (1:0.6, 1:1.0, 1:1.4) were compared and analyzed under the condition of progressive collapse. The beam–column substructures included three columns and two beams, and monotonic static loading tests were conducted using the alternate load path method. The test results indicated that the specimens began to fracture at the beam tension flange; and then, part of the main internal force was transferred by the bolts on the web, followed by buckling of the compression flange at the beam end. Finally, specimens were deactivated by the shear failure of bolt holes or the fracturing of the web and junction plate. The joint with a welded flange-bolted web connection was found to have high redundancy, with sufficient rotational capacity after the fracture of the tension flange. As a result of the effective pulling force between the beam and column, combined with sufficient rotation of the beam end, the remaining structure could give full play to the catenary effect, which would play a leading role in the later stage of large deformation. The deformation of the beam–column joint increased rapidly, which was conducive to the beam–column substructure to bear the load by collaboration between the beam and column. The simplified model and the numerical simulation are proved to be reliable by test results. The results of numerical simulations and analyses of anti-collapse performances of beam–column substructures under different span ratios showed that the large beam-span ratio was beneficial to the development of ultimate failure displacement of the substructure and increase the ratio of ultimate to initial failure load. The resistance provided by catenary mechanism also increased, and the short beam developed a better catenary effect than the long one.