SIMULATING THE CYCLIC BEHAVIOUR OF A SINGLE-BAY WIDE- FLANGED STEEL BRACED FRAME

摘要

Large size wide-flanged (WF) steel members are being used increasingly in steel braced frames to resist lateral cyclic actions. A finite element model is presented to simulate the cyclic behaviour of a large size WF bracing member in a single-bay diagonally braced frame. Shell elements are used to represent the components of the WF frame (beam columns, shear tabs, stiffener plates) and the brace components (WF specimen, gusset, net-section reinforcing and web plates). Multi-point constraints are used to connect the components. The effect of frame action on the hysteresis behaviour is investigated. Results indicate that the columns have a significant effect on the cyclic lateral hysteresis behaviour of WF braced frames. Recommendations for future cyclic WF simulations are presented.