Design and numerical analysis of new earthquake-resilient semi-rigid joints

Abstract

A calculation method for the design of a new earthquake-resilient semi-rigid joint was proposed, and its accuracy was verified through cyclic loading tests. Finite element model analysis was performed to investigate the energy dissipation capacity of the new joint. The deformation characteristics, energy dissipation capacity, and stiffness of energy dissipators with different shapes and lengths were compared. Subsequently, the computational method was improved. The parametric analysis results revealed the excellent seismic performance of the joint; the energy dissipator dissipated more than 75% of the energy. Furthermore, we assessed the influence of the area, shape, and length of the energy dissipators on their energy dissipation capacity. Increasing β (the ratio of the flange to web area in the energy-dissipating core area) and γ (the slenderness ratio of the energy-dissipating core area) resulted in an initial rise in the energy dissipation capacity followed by a decrease. The recommended values for β and γ are 0.67 and 7.71–9.21, respectively.