Abstract
This paper presents a numerical study on the seismic performance of end-plate moment connection between I-beam to HSS (hollow structural section) column stiffened by outer diaphragms (EP-HSS). In previous experimental research, this moment connection showed a satisfactory performance according to requirements established in Seismic provisions. However, one type of joint was studied and bidirectional and axial loads were not considered. In this since, several configurations representative of 2D interior joints and 3D interior and exterior joints in a steel building were modeled and subjected to unidirectional or bidirectional cyclic displacements according to protocol in seismic provisions. Firstly, a similar joint configuration was calibrated from experimental data, obtaining an acceptable adjustment. The assessment of seismic performance was based on hysteretic curves, failure mechanisms, stiffness, dissipated energy, and equivalent damping. The results obtained showed a ductile failure modes for 2D and 3D joint configurations with EP-HSS moment connection. The axial load has no significant effect on the moment connection. However, it affects the column strength due to the increase of the stresses in the column wall. Compared with 2D joints, 3D joints reached higher deformations even when a similar number of beams is used. The external diaphragms to the column panel zone provided rigidity in the joints and no degradation of slope for each loop in load/reload segment for elastic loop; therefore, curves without pinching were observed. All inelastic deformation is concentrated mainly in the beams. A moment resistance above 80% of the capacity of the beam at a drift of 4% is achieved in all joints. From the results reached, the use of EP-HSS moment connection with hollow structural section columns is a reliable alternative in seismic zones when steel moment frames are employed.
Highlights
Steel structures have shown an acceptable performance under seismic loads, especially in those systems with structural redundancy, compact members, and connections designed for the expected capacity of their members
In US practice, rolled wide flange sections are commonly used as columns, using moment frames connected to strong axis of the columns and braced frames in weak axis of the column
The results showed that End Plate to Hollow Structural Section (EP-hollow structural sections (HSS)) connection reached 5% drift, a ductile failure mechanism in the beam rather than the column and hysteretic behavior without brittle failure
Summary
Steel structures have shown an acceptable performance under seismic loads, especially in those systems with structural redundancy, compact members, and connections designed for the expected capacity of their members. Steel moment resisting framed buildings are advantageous when long spans are required (i.e., parking and office buildings). In US practice, rolled wide flange sections are commonly used as columns, using moment frames connected to strong axis of the columns and braced frames in weak axis of the column (because it is difficult to provide a strong column–weak beam scheme when the girder frames into the weak axis of the column). Tubular sections have similar moments of inertia for both principal axes, making them better suited to resist biaxial moments than wide flange sections. Tubular sections have a higher lateral torsional stiffness than wide flange sections, requiring fewer, if any, lateral bracing points, according to [1,2]. During the Metals 2020, 10, 1556; doi:10.3390/met10111556 www.mdpi.com/journal/metals
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