Analysis of demountable steel and composite frames with semi-rigid bolted joints

摘要

This paper presented an integral design procedure for demountable bolted composite frames with semi-rigid joints. Moment-rotation relationships of beam-to-column joints were predicted with analytical models aiming to provide accurate and reliable analytical solutions. Among this, initial stiffness of beam-to-column joints was derived on the basis of Timoshenko's plate theory, and moment capacity was derived in accordance with Eurocodes. The predictions were validated with relevant test results prior to further applications. Frame analysis was conducted by using Abaqus software with material and geometrical nonlinearity considered. Variable lateral loads incorporating wind actions and earthquake actions in accordance with Australian Standards were adopted to evaluate the flexural behaviour of the composite frames. Strength and serviceability limit state criteria were utilized to verify configurations of designed models. A wide range of frames with the varied number of storeys and bays were thereafter programmed to ascertain bending moment envelopes under various load combinations. The analytical results suggest that the proposed approach is capable of predicting the moment-rotation performance of the semi-rigid joints reasonably well. Outcomes of the frame analysis indicate that the load combination with dead loads and live loads only leads to maximum sagging and hogging moment magnitudes in beams. As for lateral loads, wind actions are more crucial to dominate the design of the demountable composite frames than earthquake actions. No hogging moment reversal is expected in the composite beams given that the frames are designed properly. The proposed analysis procedure is demonstrated to be a simple and efficient method, which can be applied into engineering practice.