• Steel and Composite Structures
• /
• v.48 no.5
• /
• pp.547-564
• /
• 2023

This study investigates the effect of bolt preloading on the rotational stiffness of stainless steel end-plate connections. An experimental programme incorporating 11 full-scale joint specimens are carried out comparing the behaviours of fully pre-tensioned (PT) and snug-tightened (ST) flush/extended end-plate connections, made of austenitic or lean duplex stainless steels. It is observed from the tests that the presence of bolt preloading leads to a significant increase in the rotational stiffness. A parallel finite element analysis (FEA) validated against the test results demonstrates that the geometric imperfection of end-plate has a strong influence on the moment-rotation response of preloaded end-plate connections, which is crucial to explain the observed "two-stage" behaviour of these connections. Based on the data obtained from the tests and FE parametric study, the performance of the Eurocode 3 predictive model is evaluated, which exhibits a significant deviation in predicting the rotational stiffness of stainless steel end-plate connections. A modified bi-linear model, which incorporates three key properties, is therefore proposed to enable a better prediction. Finally, the effect of bolt preloading is demonstrated at the system (structure) level considering the serviceability of semi-continuous stainless steel beams with end-plate connections.

• Steel and Composite Structures
• /
• v.33 no.1
• /
• pp.143-162
• /
• 2019

A number of desirable characteristics concerning excellent durability, aesthetics, recyclability, high ductility and fire resistance have made stainless steel a preferred option in engineering practice. However, the relatively high initial cost has greatly restricted the application of stainless steel as a major structural material in general construction. This drawback can be partially overcome by introducing composite stainless steel-concrete structures, which provides a cost-efficient and sustainable solution for future stainless steel construction. This paper presents a preliminary numerical study on stainless steel-concrete composite beam-to-column joints with bolted flush endplates. In order to ensure a consistent corrosion resistance within the whole structural system, all structural steel components were designed with austenitic stainless steel, including beams, columns, endplates, bolts, reinforcing bars and shear connectors. A finite element model was developed using ABAQUS software for composite beam-to-column joints under monotonic and symmetric hogging moments, while validation was performed based on independent test results. A parametric study was subsequently conducted to investigate the effects of several critical factors on the behaviour of composite stainless steel joints. Finally, comparisons were made between the numerical results and the predictions by current design codes regarding the plastic moment capacity and the rotational stiffness of the joints. It was concluded that the present codes of practice generally overestimate the rotational stiffness and underestimate the plastic moment resistance of stainless steel-concrete composite joints.

• Journal of the Earthquake Engineering Society of Korea
• /
• v.17 no.5
• /
• pp.227-235
• /
• 2013

Friction energy dissipative devices have been increasingly implemented as structural seismic damage protecting systems due to their excellent seismic energy dissipating capacity and high stiffness. This study develops rotational friction energy dissipative devices and verifies experimentally their cyclic response. Based on the understanding of the differences between the traditional linear-motion friction behavior and the rotational friction behavior, the configuration of the frictional surface was determined by investigating the characteristics of the micro-friction behavior. The friction surface suggested in this paper consists of brake-lining pads and stainless steel sheets and is normally stressed by high-strength bolts. Based upon these frictional characteristics of the selected interface, the rotational friction energy dissipative devices were developed. Bolt torque-bearing force tests, rotational friction tests of the suggested friction interfaces were carried out to identify their frictional behavior. Test results show that the bearing force is almost linearly proportional to the applied bolt torque and presents stable cyclic response regardless of the experimental parameters selected this testing program. Finally, cyclic tests of the rotational friction energy dissipative devices were performed to find out their structural characteristics and to confirm their stable cyclic response. The developed friction energy dissipative devices present very stable cyclic response and meet the requirements for displacement-dependent energy dissipative devices prescribed in ASCE/SEI 7-10.