Steelwork Connections Research Articles

Rotation capacity of composite joints for slim‐floor beams

AbstractThe analysis of a composite beam‐to‐column structure requires knowledge about, on the one hand, the behaviour of beams and columns and, on the other, the joints between such elements. For beam‐to‐column joints, for example, the lack of appropriate design rules forces structural engineers to model joints as pinned, despite the fact that a certain joint rigidity and bending resistance is available because of the upper reinforced concrete slab. In this context, a research programme with experimental and numerical investigations was initiated at the University of Luxembourg [1]. This aim of this research was to identify the influence of two major joint components – the reinforced concrete slab and the steelwork connection – on the behaviour of composite joints under a hogging bending moment. Eight experimental tests were performed on beam‐to‐column joints. These tests were used to validate an FE model developed with the ABAQUS software, which allowed the simulation of further joint configurations without the need for additional laboratory tests.This article presents the results of experimental and numerical analyses. Good agreement was achieved between experimental tests and numerical simulations. The influence of the reinforcement and the steelwork connection on the structural properties of composite joints is derived and a new analytical method is proposed to determine the stiffnesses and rotation capacities of composite joints.

Morpheus Hotel, Macau – a paradigm shift in computational engineering

AbstractThis article describes how cutting‐edge, parameter‐based computational engineering techniques have been used to undertake the conception, analysis and documentation of the 2500 complex steelwork connections in the exoskeleton of the new Morpheus Hotel in Macau. It discusses the tools, methodologies and strategies devised by the engineering team to automate the time‐consuming model creation and data‐handling operations associated with the finite element analysis, enabling them to complete this challenging part of the project in just 12 months.

City of Dreams, Macau – making the vision viable

This article describes how cutting edge parametric-based engineering techniques have been used to achieve the detailed design of 2500 complex steelwork connections for the exoskeleton of the new City of Dreams hotel in Macau, China. It discusses the tools, methodology and strategy employed by the engineering team to automate the difficult and time-consuming process of creating, verifying and documenting the geometrically challenging, large-scale steel connections using finite element methods within an ambitious timescale of just 12 months.

Connection research and its impact on practice during the Dowling era

Changes in the nature, importance and effectiveness of research in the area of steelwork connections over the past 50 years are identified. The emphasis is on heavy gauge construction for building structures — but similar developments exist in parallel fields e.g. light gauge construction, bridges, offshore structures etc. The key factor is greatly increased recognition of the primary role of connections in both controlling structural performance and in influencing economics. This has resulted in a much higher profile, more scientific treatment and greater translation of research findings into practice through specialised initiatives. Aspects of all of this work are reviewed, focusing on the UK scene during the second half of the 20th century.

Composite joints subject to reversal of loading—Part 1: experimental study

This paper is concerned with the tests on composite beam-to-column joints subject to reversal of loads. The first phase of the tests consisting of six beam-to-column joint specimens subject to negative moment was reported earlier [J. Construct. Steel Res. 2000; 56: 117–50]. In the current phase, eight cruciform composite joint specimens were tested under reversal of loads so that one side of the beam-to-column connection was under negative moment and the other side under positive moment. The beam-to-column steelwork connections were made of bolted end plate with or without an extended haunch section. The columns were either bare steel or reinforced with doubler plate or partially encased with concrete. The moment-rotation relationships for the joints were obtained experimentally. Detailed test observations and results were reported. Analytical assessments of the ultimate moment and initial elastic stiffness of the joints tested are provided in the companion paper [J. Construct. Steel Res. 2003; doi:10.1016/j.jcsr.2003.08.011].

Testing of steel–concrete composite connections and appraisal of results

This paper presents results obtained from tests carried on six full-scale composite beam-to-column joints. The steelwork connection consists of a flush end plate welded to the beam end and bolted to the column flange. The steel beam section and concrete slab remained identical for all six specimens. Three types of column are used: bare steel, partially encased and fully encased columns. Other variables include the area of reinforcement in the slab and the presence of stiffeners in the column web. Moment–rotation curves obtained from the tests are compared with those predicted by an analytical model. Plastic analysis of cross section is used to develop the analytical model for the prediction of moment capacity. A simple spring model for the slab combined with that of the steel joint model, as proposed in Revised Annex J of EC3, is used to assess the stiffness of the composite joints. Generally, the proposed model can predict the moment capacity of composite joints with good accuracy. However, the model tends to over predict the rotational stiffness.

Composite beam behaviour in braced frames

A numerical study has been conducted to investigate the influence of composite beam-to-steel column joints on the behaviour of composite beams, for a number of subframes representing the spans and loading arrangements of current commercial buildings in the UK. A two-stage analysis has been performed on each of these subframes, varying the steelwork connection, the percentage of reinforcement over the support and the degree of shear connection between the steel beam and the concrete slab. The studies use a computer model which has been developed to simulate the behaviour of steel-framed buildings with composite floor decks. The program is capable of simulating the behaviour of two-dimensional subframes, and considers their two-stage behaviour, both during unpropped construction and as fully composite beams. It is also capable of taking into account the partial interaction between the steel beam and the composite slab, the orientation of the profiled metal deck, the effect of additional reinforcement over supports and the semi-rigid nature of the joint between the composite beam and steel column. In contrast to the usual observations made in isolated joint tests, the study indicates very low values of strains in reinforcing bars at the composite beam-to-steel column joint at the ultimate limit state. The results also indicate that the common types of composite joints available are capable of providing the rotation capacity required to sustain the ultimate load with about 1% of reinforcement over the support, without the use of expensive column web stiffeners.

Database for the semi-rigid behaviour of beam-to-column connections in seismic regions

The behaviour of steelwork connections has long been recognised as complex. A database of test results for connection behaviour constitutes an essential step towards the development of design methodologies, allowing more researchers to investigate in this field without the financial burden of carrying out experimental work, avoiding being misled by incomplete or incorrect data, and opening the way to design assisted by testing. A database of experimental results for steel and steel-concrete composite connections is presented which encompasses graphical treatment of data, numerical manipulation and statistical treatment of groups of results, allowing easy comparison of connection behaviour. Simplified constitutive models for the hysteretic behaviour of connections are presented and included in the database for comparison and calibration with experimental results. The database SERIWWW was developed according to the following specifications: Possibility to introduce test results for any type of connection in free form format, irrespective of the type of connection (existent or not); Possibility to deal with any material; Possibility to deal with dynamical tests; Possibility to deal with numerical simulations; Easy interchange (import-export) with any commercial program (EXCEL, ACCESS, etc.); INTERNET on-line implementation. and implemented as independent modules which correspond to different levels of utilisation, as shown in Table 1. An experimental project of beam-to-column composite connection cyclic and dynamic tests currently under execution is presented where both con

On the numerical analysis of endplate connections

Abstract In this paper novel aspects of finite element modelling of bolted steelwork connections are presented in order to predict their load-carrying behaviour and to calculate their limit loads. Parametric studies with respect to various geometric parameters have been carried out in order to determine their influence on the flexibility of the connection. The samples studied are extended endplate connections as used in beam-to-beam or beam-to-column connections, bolted by pretensioned high-strength screws. The main emphasis is given to the consideration of material nonlinearity, to the contact between deformable members, and to accurate finite element modelling.

Limit states design of steelwork connections in Australia

Abstract This paper is a state-of-the-art report on the design of connections in structural steelwork to meet Australian design and fabrication requirements embodied in the provisions of AS 4100 ‘Steel Structures’ which is in limit state format. The paper reviews the requirements for the design of connections to AS 4100, discusses the transfer of these requirements into practical models for the design of connections to suit the range of connections in common use in Australia, indicates the source of the provisions and design models, and briefly reviews Australian research on connection behaviour.

Structural steelwork connections

Structural steelwork connections

Structural steelwork connections

Structural steelwork connections

Plastic design of two-way structures and elements

This is an introductory paper outlining the background to the plastic design of two-way spanning systems such as (some) space frames, bridge decks and steelwork connection components. The approach draws on the now well-established British (Baker) methods for the plastic design of one-way systems and upon the Scandinavian (Johansen, Hillerborg) proposals for two-way systems. What emerges is a new concept for a stress-resultant to be called a ‘Bimoment’. Bimoments seem to have a significance for some two-way systems comparable to the significance that ordinary bending moments have for one-way systems. Thus they do permit comprehensive direct equilibrium relationship between total loads and stresses for portions of plates or grillages which are large in one or both directions.

Interactive design and detailing of structural steelwork connections using a computer : Moore, M. G. and Brotton, D. M.Struct. Eng. Vol 52 (1974) No 4 pp 133–142

A technique for the automatic and interactive design of connections in structural steelwork using a computer with visual display facilities is described. The program can deal with inclined, oblique and eccentric beams with welded end plates and high-strength friction-grip bolts. A design example is given to illustrate the facilities provided. The discussion includes an economic assessment which indicates that the cost of using the technique is low.