Evaluation of Three Support Shapes on Behavior of New Bolted Connection BBCC in Modularized Prefabricated Steel Structures

Abstract

Bolted connections are suitable due to high quality prefabrication in the factory and erection in the workplace. Prefabrication and modularization cause high speed of erection and fabrication, high quality and quick return of investment. Their technical hitches transportation can be removed by prefabrication of joints and small fabrication of components. Box-columns are suitable members for bolted structures such as welded steel structures with moment frames in two directions etc., but their continual fabrication in multi-story buildings and performing the internal continuity plate in them will cause some practical dilemmas. The details of the proposal technique introduced here, is to remove such problems from the box columns. Besides, some other advantages include new prefabricated bolted beam-to-column connections referred to BBCC. This connection is a set of plates joined to columns, beams, support, and bolts. For a better understanding of its fabrication and erection techniques, two connection and one structural maquettes are made. The present work aims to study the cyclic behavior of connection numerically. To verify the accuracy of model, a similar tested connection was modelled. Its verification was then made through comparison with test results. The behavior of connection was evaluated for an exterior connection using three different support shapes. The effects of support shapes on rigidity, ductility, rotation capacity, maximum strength, four rad rotation strength were compared to those of the AISC seismic provision requirements. It was found that single beams support has all the AISC seismic provision requirements for special moment frames with and without a continuity plate, and box with continuity plate is the best support in the BBCC connection.