Abstract
This paper presents an experimental study on the seismic performance up to fracture of gusset-plate brace connections. During the inelastic behavior of a bracing member (e.g., buckling), weak-axis bending in the gusset is induced by brace-end rotation and a plastic hinge is formed in a predefined inelastic zone (clearance distance) of the gusset. Five gusset-plate connections that can develop restraint-free plastic rotations to accommodate the brace-end rotation demands are tested. The test parameters include the plate thickness, length of clearance distance, and several inelastic rotation demands. The connections are tested using an innovative substructure-based hybrid test method that simulates the complex boundary and load conditions that exist between the gusset-plate connections and brace member. The tests quantify the maximum rotation ductility and strength capacity of the gusset-plate connections under actual cyclic inelastic rotations and varying axial loading. The test results also provide a basis for developing a ductility-based design methodology that determines the rotation ductility of gusset-plate connections using the brace-end rotation demand at a given axial deformation capacity of the brace. A design application example demonstrates the necessity of considering explicitly in the seismic design of steel braced frames the gusset-plate fracture capacity.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 04018195 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | Journal of Structural Engineering (United States) |
Volume | 144 |
Issue number | 10 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 3 Aug 2018 |
Keywords
- Ductility-based design
- Fracture capacity
- Gusset plates
- Online hybrid tests
- Steel braces
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Civil and Structural Engineering
- Building and Construction
- Materials Science(all)
- Mechanics of Materials