Bolted beam-to-column connections for built-up columns constructed of H-SA700 steel

摘要

A research program is underway to develop a new structural system using a high-strength structural steel called H-SA700. In this system, columns are built up of H-SA700 plates using bolts only, and bolted connections are used extensively to allow structural components to be replaced or reused. Bolted beam-to-column connections using an end plate are developed for the system. Bolted stiffeners are devised to control yielding and local distortion of the column against local tension delivered by the beams. Four specimens, two with stiffeners proposed in this study and two without stiffeners, are tested under quasi-static cyclic loading. Finite element simulation is carried out to allow more detailed investigation on the yielding distribution in the connection. The specimens with the proposed stiffeners avoid the yielding and notable local distortion that occurred with the absence of the stiffeners. It is found that with the aid of the proposed stiffeners, the built-up column of H -SA700 steel would remain elastic and thus reusable even after major earthquakes. Design equations are presented to estimate the stiffness of the connection, the strength of the column against local tension, and the shear yielding of the panel zone.