Finite element modeling and behavior of dissipative embedded column base connections under cyclic loading

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This paper explores, by means of continuum finite element (CFE) analysis, a recently developed concept that promotes controlled inelastic energy dissipation within the embedded portion of column base connections rather than in steel columns of conventional embedded column bases. As such, dissipative embedded column base connections become resilient to local buckling. Several loading and geometric parameters are interrogated through parametric simulations with a high-fidelity CFE model, which is thoroughly validated with available experimental data. The simulation results suggest that steel columns in conventional embedded bases are prone to local buckling even at modest lateral drift demands (i.e., 2% rad), thereby exhibiting 10 to 30 mm of axial shortening in the presence of constant compressive axial load. On the other hand, dissipative bases are resilient to local buckling till at least 4% rad lateral drift demands regardless of the column cross-sectional characteristics and loading parameters. At larger lateral drift demands, the use of horizontal stiffeners in dissipative bases alleviates localized flange deformations attributable to bearing of the embedded column flange with the reinforced concrete foundation. Axial shortening in dissipative base connections is only attributable to inelastic cyclic straining within the dissipative zone and is up to 60% less than that of steel columns in conventional bases at lateral drift demands of 2% rad. The CFE simulations reveal that the hysteretic response of dissipative bases is insensitive to bidirectional loading.