Rigid Joints Transferring Forces outside Box Columns with Imperfect Beams – Finite Element Method Simulation

Abstract

In the process of steel structure construction, it was inevitable that the members of structure had initial imperfections which might decrease capacity of the structure. In order to consider the influence of lateral deviation of beams on rigid joints transferring forces outside box columns, in this paper 4 specimens were designed to compare the performance of joints with force-transforming plates to traditional joints by finite element method program ANSYS. The results indicated that adding force-transforming plates could transmit stresses to beams which were far from the panel zone, to avoid joints’ stress concentration. Moreover, in the same case, when the beams were imperfect, the yielding capacity and ultimate carrying capacity of the joints with force-transforming plates were significant higher than those of traditional joints. Moreover, the adding force-transforming plates were helpful to reduce the influence from the beams imperfect. This kind of joints can be used to the practical engineering.