Experiment and numerical modelling of a demountable steel connection system for reuse. (November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dai, Xianghe; Yang, Jie; Lam, Dennis; Sheehan, Therese; Zhou, Kan
• Is Part Of: Journal of constructional steel research. Volume 198(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-11
• Subjects: Steel reuse -- Block shear connector -- Demountable -- Standardisation -- Experimental study -- Finite element modelling; Steel, Structural -- Periodicals; Building, Iron and steel -- Periodicals; Acier de construction -- Périodiques; Construction métallique -- Périodiques; 624.1821
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcsr.2022.107534
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0143-974X

Abstract

Abstract: Currently, steel reuse is only a marginal practice. To facilitate deconstruction and efficient reuse of steel components, an innovative connection system was proposed. This system adopts a 'Block Shear Connector (BSC)' that allows beam length to be standardised and suitable for a wide range of different sizes of the supporting members within the same planning grid. This paper presents the experimental and numerical studies of a beam-to-beam connection using BSCs. The BSC used was made from a standard universal HE / UC section and was bolted to the beams by using partial depth end plates. The experimental results provided the shear resistance, moment-rotation, failure behaviour, demountability and reusability of the steel components. Further numerical simulation conducted investigated the effect of some key parameters (steel strength, thickness of BSC web, thickness of BSC flange, initial bolt stress) on the behaviour of the connections. The results obtained highlighted the demountability of this innovative bolted connection system and the reusability of structural components. Highlights: Innovative connection system using Block Shear Connector. Ease of demountability and reusability of steel components checked. Developed finite element model validated using experimental results. Parameter study further investigated the behaviour of this type of connection.