Seismic behavior of semi-rigid steel joints—Major axis T-stub and minor axis end-plate. (August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shi, Qiang; Yan, Shilin; Kong, Liulin; Bu, Xin; Wang, Xinwu; Sun, Haisu
• Is Part Of: Journal of constructional steel research. Volume 159(2019)
• Page Start: 476
• Page End: 492
• Publication Date: 2019-08
• Subjects: Semi-rigid joint -- Major axis T-stub connection -- Minor axis end-plate connection -- Three-dimensional behavior -- Experimental testing -- Seismic performance; Steel, Structural -- Periodicals; Building, Iron and steel -- Periodicals; Acier de construction -- Périodiques; Construction métallique -- Périodiques; 624.1821
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcsr.2019.04.036
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0143-974X

Abstract

Abstract: Due to its cost-effective nature and satisfactory seismic performance, semi-rigid steel frame is often considered as an alternative to conventional fully rigid steel frames. To date, the seismic behavior of semi-rigid connection has typically been documented in two dimensions. To fill this gap, an experimental investigation was made to study the behavior of the internal semi-rigid joints through spatial quasi-static tests with loads applied to the ends of the columns from both the major and minor axes. In our newly proposed semi-rigid joint, the minor beam is attached to the column web by an end-plate connection and the major one attached to the column flange by a T-stub connection, where the loading effect from the minor direction on the major direction of semi-rigid joints was considered. Results show the major beams failed with T-stub fractures and the minor beams failed with substantial bending deformations at the end-plates, which are easy failures to repair. In addition, the initial rotational stiffness and angular ductility coefficient of the minor beam decreased with increases in the thickness of the end-plate. Compared with the semi-rigid steel joints with T-stub connections in both axes, the major beams of our proposed joints exhibited obviously increased bending resistances, equivalent viscous damping coefficients and equivalent energy dissipations. Highlights: The seismic behavior and failure mechanism of a novel type of 3D joints with semi-rigid connections are illustrated. A test device which can apply loads from both the strong and weak axes of the 3D joints is designed. The failure modes of the proposed joints are easy failures to repair after earthquake.