Numerical Investigation to Assess the Cyclic Performance of RBS Connection using Cover Plates

Abstract

This paper presents the result of four welded connections under cyclic loading using finite element analysis, those are: Conventional Connection (C-Con), Cover Plates Connection (CP-Con), Reduced Beam Section Connection (RBS-Con), and RBS Connection using Cover Plates (RBSCP-Con) using the same material properties, including dimension of the profile and its span. Previous research indicates that, even though the fact that the initial seismic yield must be located far from the column’s face, it still occurs on the majority of RBS connections on occasion. By adding a cover plate to the top and bottom flanges of the beam, the research can provide a seismic design improvement for RBS connections. The analysis results observed that cyclic performance of RBSCP-Con was much superior to the other connections in terms of plastic hinges location, panel zone’s performance, and failure modes. However, CP-con has the maximum value of energy dissipation, which correlates with its hysteresis curves. Furthermore, all of the four types of connections already satisfy SMF category requirements in accordance with AISC 341-16.