A Finite Element Study of Non-Orthogonal Bolted Flange Plate Connections for Seismic Applications

Abstract:

The current design approach for moment connections in many seismic specifications worldwide focuses on providing energy dissipation to achieve a collapse prevention objective. Most specifications only provide guidance for the design of beam-column connections in orthogonal configurations. However, it is not uncommon that for architectural reasons beams be required to frame into columns at an angle, either with respect to the horizontal (sloped connections) or with respect to a vertical plane (skewed connections), for the design of which little guidance is available. This paper presents a numerical study focusing on Bolted Flange Plate connections in non-orthogonal configurations. The response of these connections was compared to extant experimental results, using orthogonal configurations as a baseline. Investigating the connections response in terms of moment-rotation capacity, stress distributions, plastic strain demands, and plastic hinge locations, some recommendations for the design of non-orthogonal Bolted Flange Plate connections are presented. Secondarily, a study of the influence of specific details on the response of the connections was performed, resulting in practical detailing recommendations.

• Periodical: Key Engineering Materials (Volume 763)
• Pages: 525-532
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.763.525
• Online since: February 2018
• Authors: Zachary D. Hunn, Gian Andrea Rassati*, James A. Swanson, Thomas M. Burns
• Keywords: Bolted Flange Plate, Finite Element, Non-Orthogonal, Seismic, Skewed, Sloped

References

[1] ANSI-AISC 358-16, Prequalified Connections for Special and Intermediate Steel Moment Frames for Seismic Applications, Chicago, IL, (2016).

DOI: 10.1061/40889(201)5

[2] A. Sato, J. Newell, C.M. Uang, Cyclic Behaviour and Seismic Design of Bolted Flange Plate Steel Moment Connections, Engineering Journal 45 (2008) 221-232.

[3] S.P. Schneider, I. Teeraparbwong, SAC Task 7. 09. Bolted Flange Plate Connections, Urbana, IL, (1999).

[4] K.E. Wilson, A Finite Element Investigation of Non-Orthogonal Moment Connections in Steel Construction, MS Thesis, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati OH, (2015).

[5] K.E. Wilson, G.A. Rassati, J.A. Swanson, Analytical Study on the Behavior of Skewed and Sloped Moment Connections in Steel Construction, in F.M. Mazzolani, ed. STESSA 2015 – Behaviour of Steel Structures in Seismic Areas, Shanghai, China, (2015).

DOI: 10.1201/9780203861592.ch39

[6] K.E. Wilson, G.A. Rassati, J.A. Swanson, A Numerical Study on the Influence of Skew and Slope on RBS and WUF-W Connections, in J.F. Hajjar, ed. Connections in Steel Structures VIII, Boston MA, (2016).

[7] D.J. Ruffley, A finite Element Approach for Modeling Bolted Top-and-Seat Angle Components and Moment Connections, MS Thesis, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati OH, (2011).

[8] C. Schrauben, Behavior of Full-Scale Bolted Beam-to-Column T-Stub and Clip Angle Connections under Cyclic Loading, MS Thesis, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta GA, (1999).

[9] M. Engelhardt, T. Winneberger, A. Zekany, T. Potryaj, Experimental Investigation of Dogbone Moment Connections, Engineering Journal 35 (1998) 128-139.

[10] AISC, Steel Construction Manual, 13th ed., Chicago IL (2011).

[11] D.W. Kim, S.C. Ball, H.B. Sim, C.M. Uang, Cyclic Testing of Non-Orthogonal Steel Moment Connections for LAX TBIT Modifications, Report No. TR-09/04, Department of Structural Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla CA, (2010).