Behaviour and design of stainless steel-concrete composite beam-to-column joints

Considering the significant strain‐hardening and ductility characteristics of stainless steel and the influential role of beam to column joints in the overall response of structures, a clear understanding of their moment rotation behaviour appears fundamental. In the present study, a review of the European design code for three typical semi‐continuous beam‐to‐column joints (extended end plate, flush end plate and top‐and‐seat angle connections) is first carried out. Then, using a hybrid modelling strategy with uncoupled elastic‐plastic springs for the bolts and shell elements for the members, more refined 3D finite element (FE) models are developed and validated against available test results. An equivalent stress definition is then proposed for calculating the joint moment resistance. Finally, the initial rotational stiffness, moment resistance, rotation capacity, and failure patterns are used to evaluate critically the accuracy of the predictions of the European design code. As a result, the need for more comprehensive design guidance in accordance with the observed findings is pointed out.

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessment of Design Approaches for Stainless‐Steel Joints Through an Equivalent FE Modelling Technique

Sarfarazi¹,

Shamass²,

Corte³

et al. 2022

“…It was found that the design provisions of EN 1993-1-8 [1], which specify design rules for carbon joints, that are also applicable for stainless steel joints [23], are adequate for stiffness predictions but overly conservative for strength predictions [20][21][22]. More recently, Wang et al [24], Bu et al [25], Song et al [26] and Gao et al [27] conducted experimental and numerical studies on the behaviour of stainless steel connections and reached similar conclusions.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Behaviour of Ferritic Stainless Steel Bolted T‐stubs Under Tension‐Part 1: Experimental Investigations

Yapici¹,

Theofanous

Dirar

et al. 2021

Research on stainless steel structures has primarily focused on the structural response and design of individual members, whilst the response of joints has received far less attention to date. Recently, a series of experimental tests has been conducted on austenitic and duplex stainless steel moment resisting connections which highlighted both the excellent ductility and significant overstrength exhibited by such connections as well as the severe conservatism of current design rules specified in EN 1993‐1‐8 when applied to stainless steel joints. A comprehensive experimental study on the structural behaviour of stainless steel T‐stubs fabricated from EN 1.4003 ferritic stainless steel grade is reported in this paper. The tested configurations included both single and double bolt rows and have been assembled with A4‐80 stainless steel bolts. In order to determine the material characteristics of the T‐stubs and the connecting bolts, tensile coupon tests were performed and the material anisotropy exhibited by ferritic stainless steel has been quantified. The ultimate resistance, plastic deformation capacity and failure mode of each T‐stub were obtained and are reported herein. The obtained results are utilised to assess the accuracy of existing design rules and to validate the numerical model discussed in the companion paper.

“…Moreover, the structural behaviour of the moment resisting connections was investigated by three-dimensional FE model and the stiffness and resistance predictions were reported comprehensively, and proposed model validated using the experimental results [22]. Recently, Wang et al [25], Bu et al [26], Song et al [27], Gao et al [28] and Yuan et al [29] conducted experimental and numerical studies on the behaviour of stainless steel connections and reported similar conclusions. The studies in the literature focused primarily on austenitic and duplex stainless steel grades, while the structural performance of ferritic stainless steel connections has not been studied to date.…”

Section: Original Article Abstractmentioning

confidence: 76%

Behaviour of Ferritic Stainless Steel Bolted T‐stubs Under Tension‐Part 2: Numerical Investigations

Yapici¹,

Theofanous

Dirar

et al. 2021

Following the experimental study on EN 1.4003 ferritic stainless steel T‐stubs in tension discussed in the companion paper, this study reports the development and validation of an advanced FE model that can predict the overall behaviour and failure modes of ferritic stainless steel bolted T‐stubs subjected to tension. Key simulation strategies regarding the modelling of bolt geometry and overcoming numerical instabilities are discussed. Following the determination of material properties in the longitudinal, transverse and diagonal direction reported in the companion paper, the effect of allowing for anisotropy in the FE simulations is investigated and modelling recommendations for its inclusion in FE models are made. Moreover, the effect of bolt end and edge spacing on the joint plastic resistance, ultimate capacity, ductility as well as overall response is comprehensively discussed by inspecting the stress distribution through the plate thickness at various locations along the T‐stub, thus revealing both the flexural and the membrane component of the load transfer mechanism. The numerical results were validated against the experimental results reported in the companion paper in terms of predicted plastic and ultimate resistance, ductility and obtained failure modes. On the basis of the obtained results and the discussion, modeling recommendations for the simulation of stainless steel T‐stubs are made.