Component-Based Mechanical Models for Concrete-Filled RHS Connections with Diaphragms under Bending Moment

Abstract

One component-based mechanical model is presented in this paper to predict the flexural strength of through-diaphragm connections between concrete-filled RHS columns and H-beams. Three parts are contributed to the overall flexural strength of the connections: the failure of the through-diaphragm, the bending action of the column tube, and the tensile membrane action of the column tube. The component-based strength model is based upon defining a rigid plate deformation pattern for the connection under bending moment and then applying the virtual work principle. The proposed model is capable of predicting the ultimate flexural strength of the connections. The developed model is validated against a series of experiments with varied dimensions of column tubes and diaphragms. The results showed that the derived strength equation provided a reasonable prediction.