Seismic performance of bolted connection of H-beam to HSS-column with web end-plate

Abstract

This paper presents an experimental study on a bolted joint for connecting H-section steel beams to square hollow structural steel (HSS) columns and connecting upper and lower HSS columns in a multi-storey prefabricated steel structure. The components within a module are welded together in the factory, and the modules are assembled on site using high-strength bolts. A rigid connection or a semi-rigid connection can be achieved by adjusting the number and size of bolts. The stiffness of semi-rigid bolted connection changes with the load. The connection is rigid during minor and moderate earthquakes, whereas during major earthquakes, the cover plate slips relative to the beam flange to dissipate energy. In this paper, model tests and finite element analysis (FEA) of the seismic performance under cyclic loads are conducted on six full-scale connections, and the results are compared with the results of a welded connection. The failure mode, slip behaviour, variation and distribution of the bolt tensions, and seismic performance of the connections, including the hysteretic behaviour, skeleton curve, ductility, rotational capacity and stiffness degradation, are obtained. The influences of the number of bolts and the thickness of cover plate on the mechanical and seismic properties are studied. The results show that a reasonable larger bolt hole can facilitate the installation and improve the ductility and energy dissipation capability without significantly affecting the load-carrying capacity of the connection. The results show that the proposed bolted connection has good hysteresis behaviour, energy dissipation and ductility. It is suitable for earthquake-resistant structures.