Bolted beam-to-column connection with buckling-restrained round steel bar dampers

Abstract

In the design of steel building frames, comprehensive consideration is required to determine beam-to-column connections because their characteristics largely influence the performance of the whole frame. Recent studies by some researchers have investigated the application of dampers to bolted beam-to-column connections, where the dampers are often positioned between the bottom beam flange and the column. This study investigates the application of buckling-restrained round steel bar dampers to bolted beam-to-column connections. The configuration of the proposed connection and its design method are first described. Then, cyclic loading tests of six specimens are presented to clarify the structural performance of the proposed connection. The hysteretic behavior is largely influenced by the configuration of the damper, such as bar length, shank diameter, and damper position. Furthermore, finite element analyses of the damper and connection models are demonstrated for the detailed examination of their plastic behavior characteristics such as the spiral buckling deformation of the bar. The ratio of the beam shear force acting on the dampers is discussed based on the analysis results of the connection model.