Beam Column Research Articles

Experimental Study on Hysteretic Performance of Steel Moment Connection with Buckling-Restrained Dog-Bone Beam Sections

Steel beam–column connections with dog-bone beam sections have gained significant attention and have been extensively applied. This is attributed to their ability to effectively centralize and integrate plastic hinges, thereby diverting potential damage away from the beam ends during earthquake events. In order to achieve the enhancement of the ductility and energy dissipation of connections by inhibiting local buckling during an earthquake event, a novel steel moment connection with buckling-restrained dog-bone beam sections was proposed in this paper. There were three types of proposed connections according to the different arrangements of restrained steel plates, including arranging the restrained plates only on the flanges, only on the web, and on both the flanges and webs of the dog-bone beam sections. In this study, three specimens with buckling-restrained dog-bone beam sections and one control specimen with a dog-bone beam section were tested under cyclic loading. The failure modes, hysteretic curves, skeleton curves, stiffness degradation ductilities, displacement ductility ratios, and energy dissipation capacities of the specimens were analyzed based on the experimental results to evaluate the seismic behavior of the proposed connections. The results indicated that the local buckling of the proposed connections was significantly reduced compared with the traditional connection with a dog-bone beam section under the condition of keeping the plastic hinges away from the beam–column connection core. The arrangement of the restrained plates in the dog-bone beam section had little effect on the bearing capacity and the initial stiffness, with errors all being within 6%. It is worth mentioning that the connection with restrained plates only on the flanges in the dog-bone beam sections showed a more obvious improvement in the deformation capacity and energy dissipation capacity of the connection, which increased by 21% and 16%, respectively. Additionally, high-quality welding between the beam and column, smooth cutting shapes on the weakened flanges, and the high-quality drilling of long slots at the fixed point in the restrained plates and the dog-bone beam sections should be guaranteed to improve the hysteretic stabilities of the proposed connections.

Seismic behavior of an improved drilled flange connection for I-beam to CFST column

The use of cold-formed steel tubes in the concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) columns makes the design of the moment connections between beams and CFST columns much more challenging. This is because setting the internal diaphragms in the CFST column to transfer the bending moment of the beam end becomes impossible, and thus new joints are needed. A novel joint was proposed in a previous study by the authors, where two end plates were used for the force transmission between CFST columns and beam flanges. Moreover, to satisfy the “weak member strong joint” requirement, the I-beams were reduced by drilling a series of circular holes in their flanges. However, most of the tested specimens failed by the unexpected rupture of the complete joint penetration (CJP) groove welds between the beam flanges and end plates. In this paper, three specimens are redesigned and tested, where modifications are made to improve their behaviors under the seismic load. In this test, the local buckling of beam flanges at the drilled sections was observed in all specimens, and two specimens failed due to the fracture at the drilled sections, while CJP weld fracture and significant bending of beam flanges both occurred at the failure of the rest specimen. The hysteresis curves of all specimens are fusiform, indicating their good energy dissipations (the maximum equivalent viscous damping coefficients between 0.35 and 0.40). The failure rotation angles are about 2.44–3.01, and the ductility coefficients are between 2.26 and 2.66. According to EC3, all specimens can be classified into the rigid and full-strength joints. Subsequently, the parametric analyses using the validated finite element model are carried out, where the effects of main parameters are investigated on the seismic behavior of the presented joint. This study brings insights into the moment connections between the steel beam and CFST column with the outer cold-formed section.

Working mechanism evaluations of full-scale joints with bolted-cover plate connection for modular steel buildings

The force-reliability of the modular structural joints is crucial for ensuring the structural integrity of modular steel buildings. However, the welds connecting the beam and column within the module are susceptible to tear during seismic events. This mode of failure greatly undermines the ability of these joints to withstand seismic forces. Four full-scale modular structural joints with bolted-cover plate connection were designed and conducted for seismic performance testing, emphasizing the significance of methods such as reinforcing diagonal braces and strengthening flanges on the protective effect of beam–column welds in the module. The simplified modular structural joint and frame finite element model were proposed based on experimental data, refined finite element modeling, and theoretical analysis. The findings suggest that the seismic behavior of the modular structural joint remains unaffected by variations in axial compression ratio within the designed range of parameters. The beam–column weld of the module in the reinforced joint exhibits almost no weld tearing, and both strengthening methods demonstrate exceptional capacity for energy dissipation. The proposed simplified modeling method facilitates the efficient determination of the modular structural joint bearing capacity and the lateral stiffness of the modular frame. The research findings presented in this paper can serve as a valuable reference point for the engineering design of modular steel structures.

Enhancing seismic resilience of reinforced concrete external beam column connection by employing an innovative prestressing method

Enhancing seismic resilience of reinforced concrete external beam column connection by employing an innovative prestressing method

Retrofitting of Damaged Crumb Rubber Concrete Frame Using Fiber Reinforced Polymers

Abstract: The research work is focused on the retrofitting of damaged crumb rubber concrete frame. The retrofitting of these frames was carried out using Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) wrapping technique accompanied with beam weakening technique, carried out at certain locations to achieve the desired failure mechanism. Two previously tested 1/3rd reduced scale models Crumb rubber concrete (CRC) and Normal concrete (NC) were CFRP retrofitted along with beam weakening and then tested dynamically. From the as-built testing strong-beam weak-column effect was observed, for that purpose beams weakening through cores removal away from the face of the column equal to two times depth of the beam, so as to shift the damage from the brittle failure mechanism of column and joint damage to more ductile damage in the beam. In addition to beam weakening the damaged beam column joints were CFRP retrofitted. A comparative study between the retrofitted and as-built models was done. The results obtained from testing has recovered the ductility up to 82% and response modification factor up to 90% for normal concrete while in case of crumb rubber concrete frame the ductility is recovered up to 76% and its response modification factor up to 81%. As intended, a much-distributed damage behavior/cracking pattern as compared to the reference models, especially in the case of normal concrete model. The intended purpose of the retrofitting in recovering seismic properties and a comparatively distributed damage/cracking pattern was achieved. The purpose of beamweakening through core removal for shifting the damage from columns and joints towards the beams for achieving a more ductile failure mechanism was achieved to some extent.

Experimental study of the static and hysteretic performance of grouted steel beam-column inter-connections for modular integrated construction

Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) has gained prominence as a construction method, and the integrity of its structural connections plays a critical role in ensuring the overall stability and safety of buildings. This paper presents an experimental investigation into the static and hysteretic performance of grouted steel beam-column inter-connections designed for MiC. The study examines eight full-scale specimens subjected to both monotonic and cyclic loading conditions, with a focus on failure characteristics, deformation behavior, loading-displacement curves, loading-strain curves, skeleton curves of hysteretic loops, stiffness degradation, and energy dissipation. Key findings of the study include the observation of weld cracking between beam flanges and columns in all specimens, highlighting the necessity of welding quality control to prevent such issues. Grouted connections exhibited superior integrity, with no gap opening or misalignment between upper and lower columns. Additionally, it was found that grouting could enhance the stiffness of certain connections. Removal of diagonal stiffeners significantly decreased peak bearing capacity, emphasizing their importance. The composite action brought about by bolts connecting ceiling and floor beams also proved influential. According to Eurocode 3, all grouted specimens fall under the classification of semi-rigid connections, with a distinction made for partial and full-strength connections. This research contributes valuable insights into the static behavior and hysteretic performance of grouted steel beam-column inter-connections for MiC, providing essential knowledge for the structural design and safety of buildings utilizing this innovative construction method.

Global vibration control of offshore wind turbines with a flexible monopile foundation using a pendulum-tuned mass damper: Risk mitigation and performance incrementation

This study investigates an optimized design approach for a passive-adaptive pendulum-tuned mass damper (PTMD). The PTMD is used to mitigate structural vibrations in offshore wind turbines (OWTs) with flexible monopile foundations considering Pile-Soil Interaction (PSI). The model OWT is based on the 5-MW design proposed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The PSI incorporates a pile that is modeled as beam–column elements supported by nonlinear springs and accounts for lateral loads (p-y curves) and axial loads (t-z and Q-z curves) at nodal points. Wind and wave spectra estimation, as well as hydrodynamic and aerodynamic load analysis, are performed using a bespoke MATLAB® program operated in conjunction with an ANSYS® 3-D finite element global model. The resultant peak response at the OWT hub was evaluated through power spectral density (PSD) analysis. Optimal design choices for PTMD parameters are obtained via parametric analysis, which assesses the dynamic response in the along and across directions at the hub and stress at the tower base. A systematic representation considers the uncertainties stemming from the geometric and mechanical properties of the tower, environmental loads, and rotating blade dynamics. To address these uncertainties, a Monte Carlo simulation is employed to assess the structural risk via the Performance-Based Wind Engineering (PBWE) framework. Consequently, the probabilistic evaluation of structural response, foundation stresses, and power production assists in the optimal design process of PTMDs that mitigate the global structural vibrations of OWTs.

Influence of Joint Strengthening on the Seismic Performance of Non-Engineered Buildings

Non-engineered buildings (NEBs) are prone to earthquake damage. One type of damage that often occurs in NEBs is the separation of beam and column elements owing to joint failures. Strengthening joints with steel plates is expected to improve the seismic performance of this type of building. Strengthening with steel plates is cheap and easy to apply, so it will be a preferable choice in preventing damage to the NEB due to earthquake loads. This study investigated the seismic performance of reinforced concrete frames, representing an NEB whose beam–column joints were strengthened with L-shaped steel plates. Two widths of L-shaped steel plates were proposed: 75 mm (NEB-075) and 100 mm (NEB-100). An NEB without strengthening (NEB-000) was used as a control. Both experimental and numerical investigations were performed to determine the seismic performance of NEBs. The results showed that damage to the NEB-000 and NEB-075 models occurred at the joints, but less damage was observed in NEB-075 than in NEB-000. Furthermore, damage in the NEB-100 model occurred at the column. The undamaged limit levels of the NEB-000, NEB-075, and NEB-100 models were 56.49, 81.54, and 82.46%, respectively. These results show that strengthening the NEB with steel plates effectively improves its seismic performance. According to an analysis of the performance of the tested models, the NEB-100 model exhibited the best seismic performance.

Assessing the Seismic Performance of Exterior Precast Concrete Joints with Ultra-High-Performance Fiber-Reinforced Concrete

This study was conducted to evaluate the seismic performance of an exterior precast concrete (PC) beam–column joint with ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC). Currently, 45 MPa non-shrinkage mortar is used as grouting for the connection between PC beams and columns. In this study, PC joint specimens were designed using 45 MPa non-shrinkage mortar and 120 MPa UHPFRC as a grouting agent for connecting PC members. The shear reinforcement effect of UHPFRC was confirmed to reduce shear cracks in the joint core; this trend was similar in the specimens with reduced shear rebars. The maximum moment of the test specimen with the corbel was slightly increased, but there was no significant difference, and the failure pattern also showed similar results to the specimen without the corbel. In the test specimen to which the U-shaped beam was applied, the attachment surface of ultra-high-performance concrete and normal concrete were separated, and a large decrease in strength was observed. Considering workability, U-shaped beam do not seem to have any major merits in general, such as increased strength and difficulty in manufacturing, and it was judged that it was effective to separate the PC beams from the column face through corbels. Shear reinforcement through UHPFRC is effective in relieving congestion by reducing shear reinforcement bars at the joint, and it is judged that it can be used as PC joint grouting due to its excellent fluidity.

Investigation of axial-flexural behaviour of concrete-encased concrete-filled steel tube slender beam–columns

In recent years, concrete-encased concrete-filled steel tube (CECFST) columns have gained popularity in structural engineering. Research studies have shown that this novel type of composite columns exhibits superior strength, ductility, stiffness, and resistance to fire and corrosion property when compared to alternative types of steel-concrete composite columns. Considering the increasing use of slender columns in practice, this study investigated structural behaviour of CECFST slender beam–columns subjected to combined compression and bending. In this paper, six pin-ended CECFST slender specimens with different section configurations, load eccentricities and slenderness ratios were tested under eccentric load. Key test results consisted of buckling mode analysis, load–deformation history, moment–curvature relationship and strain response at various locations. Results generally showed that P-δ effect deteriorated structural behaviour of CECFST slender beam–columns and this unfavourable effect should be addressed properly in the appropriate design code for composite columns. In this regard, design approaches in European code and American specification were evaluated in aspects of N–M interaction curve, moment magnification factor and effective flexural stiffness (EI)eff. It was identified that both codes tend to overestimate (EI)eff, resulting in an unconservative second-order analysis. Moreover, a parametric analysis was conducted which showed (EI)eff correlates negatively to eccentricity and slenderness, but positively to steel tube size and concrete strength. However, these relationships were not reflected in the predicted (EI)eff according to European code and American specification.

Experimental Study on Seismic Behavior of Newly Assembled Concrete Beam–Column Joints with L-Shaped Steel Bars

A novel concrete beam–column connection utilizing L-shaped steel bars is proposed to address the growing demand for prefabricated buildings and to ensure good seismic performance in such beam–column structures. After positioning two prefabricated beams with L-shaped tendons into the designated connection points at the top and bottom of the columns, concrete is poured into the post-cast section of the joint and the composite beam area, realizing a connection between the beams and columns. Quasi-static tests were performed on four combined backbone curves and one cast-in-place joint to investigate their failure modes and stress mechanisms. Through low-cycle repeated loading tests, it is found that measures such as increasing the area of the post-cast concrete in the joint area, the length of the L-shape, and the concrete strength in the composite beam area can effectively improve the bonding ability between the post-cast area of the joint specimens and the precast members, to improve the ductility performance, energy dissipation capacity, and bearing capacity of the joint specimens. The initial stiffness of the joint can be effectively improved by presetting the steel pipe in the column. Concurrently, the finite element method (FEM) was employed for parameter analysis. By integrating the test and FEM results, an equation for calculating the shear capacity of the connection was derived. The findings demonstrate that the hysteresis curve of the newly assembled joints is full, and its overall performance index is roughly the same as that of the cast-in-place joints. Additionally, enhancing the post-casting area of concrete, the length of the L-shaped bars, the concrete strength in the composite beam region, the axial compression ratio, or the steel tube dimensions can effectively improve the overall performance. The derived equation for the shear-bearing capacity of the connection satisfies design and application requirements.

Experimental and Numerical Investigation on Flexural Strengthening of Precast Concrete Corbel Connections with Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Sheet

This paper presents the results of experimental and numerical investigations aimed at enhancing the flexural capacity of Precast Concrete Corbel Beam–Column Connections (PC-CBCCs) using Fiber-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) sheets. The experimental study primarily focused on assessing the flexural capacity of pinned PC-CBCCs reinforced with FRP layers, comparing them to a moment-resisting connection. A series of half-scale specimens, including three PC-CBCCs with varying FRP configurations, were tested alongside one in situ concrete fixed connection. The first specimen (PC-1) utilized L-shaped and full-wrap FRPs, whereas PC-2 and PC-3 employed both U-shaped and full-wrap layers. The objective is to quantify the ultimate flexural capacity of PC-CBCCs reinforced by FRP sheets. In PC-3, the external anchorage is introduced to assess its influence on delaying the FRP layer debonding under lateral loading. The effects of the FRP layer thickness, locations, and potential debonding are examined under unidirectional static tests while applying a constant axial compressive load to the columns and subjecting the beams to lateral loads until fracture. The test results illustrate that strengthening the corbel connection with L-shaped FRP or spiral U-shaped FRP sheets without mechanical anchorage cannot result in a significant bending capacity due to debonding. However, with the incorporation of mechanical anchors, the connection manages to enhance the moment capacity to 81% of a fixed connection’s flexural capacity. Additionally, a finite element model of the PC-CBCCs and a fixed joint is developed to simulate nonlinear static analyses of the connections using ANSYS 19.2 software. The simulation model is precise in predicting the initial stiffness and ultimate capacity of the beam–column joints, as verified by the experimental results. A comprehensive comparison is conducted to determine their responses by employing various FRP configurations and properties. Moreover, design parameters such as bond length and thickness of the FRP sheets, along with appropriate mechanical anchorage, are identified as effective in preventing debonding, and delamination. However, wrapping the beam far away from the joint interface has a minimal impact on the failure mode, stress reduction, and load-bearing capacity.

Hysteretic Behavior of Full-Scale Precast U-Shaped Composite Beam–Column Connections with Large-Diameter Reinforcements under High Axial Compression

This study introduces precast concrete beam–column connections comprised of composite beams, precast columns, and a monolithic joint core. The composite beams consist of U-shaped beams and floor slabs, leveraging the U-shaped beams for their lightweight nature, acceptable stiffness, and reduced demand for on-site support systems. To mitigate reinforcement congestion in the joint core, the precast connections incorporate large-diameter rebars (greater than 25 mm). This study conducted cyclic loading tests on four full-scale beam–column connections under 0.3 normalized compression, encompassing precast interior and exterior connections, along with two monolithic reference specimens, to investigate their behavior under seismic actions. The results revealed that all specimens exhibited bending failure at the beam ends, with minimal concrete deterioration observed in the joint core areas and columns. The hysteresis curves of the precast specimens and the monolithic connections exhibited a slight pinching effect. The strengths of the interior and exterior precast specimens were 13.3% and 7.8% lower than those of the reference monolithic connections, respectively. The ductility of interior precast connections and monolithic specimens stood at 2.36 and 2.23, respectively, indicating a negligible difference of less than 5%. Meanwhile, the positive and negative ductility of exterior precast connections were 3.06 and 2.34, which was approximately 8% lower than that of the reference connections. Furthermore, the stiffness degradation and energy dissipation capacity of the precast specimens aligned closely with the performance of the reference monolithic ones.

Percentile influence of beam column cross-sectional design on progressive collapse potential of low-rise reinforced concrete framed structure

Percentile influence of beam column cross-sectional design on progressive collapse potential of low-rise reinforced concrete framed structure

Estimating the joint shear strength of exterior beam–column joints using artificial neural networks via experimental results

Estimating the joint shear strength of exterior beam–column joints using artificial neural networks via experimental results

PERENCANAAN STRUKTUR KANTOR PHICOS DENGAN SISTIM RANGKA BAJA PEMIKUL MOMEN KHUSUS

Colomadu is the name of a district in Karanganyar Regency, Central Java. Colomadu's economic growth can grow through the goods and services business, tourism, and industry so that an office building is planned in the Colomadu area. Because the location of Colomadu District is not far from the province of Yogyakarta, where earthquakes often occur, an earthquake-resistant building is needed to anticipate a minimum number of casualties and material losses during an earthquake. Therefore, in planning this office, a special moment resisting frame system (SRPMK) is used. The building with the Special Moment Bearing Frame System (SRPMK) is planned with the concept of Strong Column and Weak Beam (strong column and weak beam). This planning aims to plan a building structure that is resistant to earthquake loads that will be received by the structure using a special moment-bearing frame structure system and refers to the applicable requirements in accordance with SNI 2847: 2019. Earthquake loads are reviewed using the spectrum response method and structural analysis is carried out with the help of the ETABS V9.7.4 program. From the planning results, the dimensions of the bondek floor plate thickness of 140 mm, beams B1A 150x400 mm, B2A 200x400 mm, B2B 200x400 mm, B2C 200x400 mm, B2D 200x400 mm, B2E 200x400 mm, B3A 200x500 mm, B3B 200x500 mm, B4A 300x150 mm, B5A 300x150 mm, BS 150x300 mm, and columns KP 150x150 mm, K1A 200x300 mm, K2A 400x550 mm, K3A 450x650 mm, and K4A 350x500 mm.

Parametric Study on Seismic Performance of Slender T-Shaped RC Walls Subjected to Biaxial Loading

To investigate the effects of parameters on the seismic performance of slender T-shaped RC walls subjected to a biaxial seismic action, a numerical model was established using a fiber-based cross-section and displacement-based beam–column element. The axial load ratio, shear span ratio, flange width to web height ratio, concrete strength grade, stirrup ratio, and longitudinal reinforcement ratio were selected for the parametric study, and the effects of these parameters on the performance degradation under biaxial loading were investigated. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis of various parameters for the decrease was conducted. The results showed that the bearing and deformation capacities under biaxial loading were both decreased, and the total energy consumption was greater than that under uniaxial loading. The impacts of different parameters and loading paths on the decrease extent were significantly different, and the overall reduction was greater in the flange direction than in the web direction. Under the square loading path, the T-shaped wall had the greatest reduction in its seismic performance, followed by the eight-shaped and cruciform loading paths. The changes in the axial load ratio, shear span ratio, and concrete strength significantly affected the performance degradation under biaxial loading. Accordingly, it is recommended to reasonably consider the values of these three parameters in a multidimensional seismic design to maintain safety redundancy.

S890 hot-rolled ultra-high strength steel (UHSS) seamless circular hollow section beam–columns: Testing, modelling and design

With the recent rapid development of manufacturing techniques and material science, advanced hot-rolling of ultra-high strength steel (UHSS) with material grades up to S890 becomes possible. The structural behaviour of S890 hot-rolled ultra-high strength steel (UHSS) seamless circular hollow section (CHS) beam–columns fabricated through the advanced manufacturing method, was investigated through testing and numerical modelling and reported in this paper. In the physical testing, a total of 12 beam–columns were firstly tested featuring the flexural buckling failure mode, with the material coupon tests and initial global geometric imperfection measurements performed. FE modelling was then conducted, where the FE models were developed and validated against the test observations. The validated FE models were then adopted in the parametric studies in a wider spectrum of member lengths, cross-section dimensions and loading combinations, resulting in the additional 300 FE data to be generated. Finally, the current design provisions, as set out in Eurocode, American specification and Australian standard, are assessed for their applicability to S890 hot-rolled UHSS seamless CHS beam–columns. It was revealed from the assessment results that the design provisions in three design codes can be accurately applied to S890 hot-rolled UHSS seamless CHS beam–columns.

Performance testing of roof beam–column connections for precast N-system

The precast N-system based on embedded-pin connections is used widely to construct large precast industrial halls in south-eastern Europe and further afield, including areas of high seismicity. To realistically assess the seismic performances, safety margins and limitations of the connections, experimental investigations are essential. Experimental results from laboratory tests on a large-scale prototype model of an original roof beam–column connection show its actual bearing capacity, damage propagation pattern and specific failure mode. The experimental study was then extended to a prototype model of an upgraded roof beam–column connection. To improve safety, the connection was upgraded with improved concrete confinement and stronger steel connecting pins. The experimental results show clearly that the method implemented to upgrade the pin-based connection provided very limited upgrading effects. To obtain much better and more reliable safety upgrading, an innovative and effective upgrading method had to be developed. The capability of the implemented refined nonlinear three-dimensional (3D) micro-modelling concept to realistically simulate the complex nonlinear response of the tested original and upgraded roof beam–column connections was demonstrated by an extensive analytical simulation study.

Crack Propagation Law of Reinforced Concrete Beams

During the process of the shear and bending failure of reinforced concrete beams, the cracks generated on the side of the beam are mostly type I–II composite cracks. Considering the material nonlinearity and geometric irregularity of reinforced concrete, it is of great significance to study the dynamic evolution law of crack propagation in reinforced concrete members. Crack propagation consists of the elongation of the crack length at the surface of the concrete material, as well as the widening of the crack width. In this paper, a finite element model of simply supported reinforced concrete beams is established by considering material nonlinearity and geometric nonlinearity and considering the damage of the concrete. Comparing the experimental results, the finite element model can accurately reflect the strain changes of longitudinal reinforcement and stirrups with a maximum error within 10%. The crack development of concrete is basically consistent with the experimental results. It shows the accuracy of the finite element analysis. On this basis, a beam–column joint is analyzed and its crack propagation under reciprocating load is investigated. An important contribution is made to the preliminary analysis of the actual crack control project. The nonlinear finite element results show that the compressive damage to the concrete of the joint is insignificant at 0.1. but the tensile damage is significant at 0.96. The cracks in the connection between the frame and the floor slab mainly show bending cracks and the concrete damage in the floor slab is higher than that in the beam.