Analysis on seismic performance of a new type of joint in steel structures

To examine the seismic performance of a newly fabricated weakened joint at the beam end position,four groups of energy-consuming steel plates with different weakening depths and thicknesses were subjected to horizontal cyclic reciprocating loading tests on beam ends.The tests were designed to evaluate the beams'hysteresis curve,skeleton curve,bearing capacity degradation curve,stiffness degradation curve,and ductility and the nodes'energy dissipation capacity.The test results show that a newly fabricated joint will not undergo brittle damage when the beam-column joint is welded at a displacement of 105 mm.Thus,the hysteresis curve will show an inverse S shape,and an obvious slip phenomenon will occur,which is mainly due to splicing.The diameter of the bolt connecting the slab to the beam flange is slightly smaller than the aperture.Due to the existence of slippage,the skeleton curve has no evident yield point.The joint ductility coefficient is less than 3.0,and the initial rotational stiffness of the joint is also small.The buckling of the splicing panel causes a rapid decrease in the joint bearing capacity.The main approaches,appropriately reducing the weakening depth and increasing the thickness of the splicing plate,can delay the occurrence of buckling and improve the ductility of the joint.

EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON ELASTIC－PLASTIC CONTROLLING DESIGN FOR BOX STEEL STRUCTURES

The principle of increasing structural loading abillity by the using of elastic-plastic con- trolling design, which can make steel reach a highcr yield slrength through controlling undue strains produced in loaded box steel structures and no damager to the static mechanical properties of the used materials, is dealt with under the guarantee of strength, rigidity, and stability. A new idea of elastic--plastic controlling design, which is mainly based on the elastic-plastic theory and experi- mental results and is different from the current design which is mainly based handbooks and design- er' s experience, is established. That is: the loading time and its effect on loaded structures are con- sidered, and the potential strength in used matcrials is fully utilized through the controlling of struc- tural strains in design. By the using of this design method, the weight and cost of box structures will be reduced in large amount.

Preliminary investigation of seismic damage to two steel space structures during the 2013 Lushan earthquake

Severe damage to steel space structures is rarely reported when compared to other structural systems damaged during past major earthquakes around the world. Two gymnasiums of steel space structures in downtown Lushan County that were damaged during the 2013 M7.0 Lushan earthquake in China were investigated and the observations are summarized in this paper. Typical damage to these two steel space structures ranges from moderate to severe. Moderate damage includes global buckling and dislocation of bolted connections of truss members, and inelastic elongation of anchor bolts and sliding of pedestal plates of supports. Severe damage includes member fracture caused by local buckling, and fracture failure of anchor bolts and welds. The distribution of structural damage to these two structures is described in detail and future research opportunities are suggested.

Numerical Simulation of Dynamic Response and Collapse for Steel Frame Structures Subjected to Blast Load

The progressive collapse of steel frame structures under the blast load was investigated using LS-DYNA. The multi-material Eulerian and Lagrangian coupling algorithm was adopted. A flu-id-structure coupling finite element model was established which consists of Lagrange element for simulating steel frame structures and concrete ground, multiple ALE element for simulating air and TNT explosive material. Numerical simulations of the blast pressure wave propagation, struc-tural dynamic responses and deformation, and progressive collapse of a five-story steel frame structure in the event of an explosion near above ground were performed. The numerical analysis showed that the Lagrangian and Eulerian coupling algorithm gave good simulations of the shock wave propagation in the mediums and blast load effects on the structure. The columns subjected to blast load may collapse by shear yielding rather than by flexural deformation. The columns and joints of steel beam to column in the front steel frame structure generated enormous plastic defor-mation subjected to intensive blast waves, and columns lost carrying capacity, subsequently lead-ing to the collapse of the whole structure. The approach coupling influence between struc-tural deformation and fluid load well simulated the progressive collapse process of structures, and provided an effective tool for analyzing the collapse mechanism of the steel frame structure under blast load.

Damage-induced material softening and its effect on seismic performance of steel structures

A numerical approach for simulating the seismic performance of steel truss structures, considering damage-induced material softening, is developed based on a ductile damage constitutive model by applying the backward Euler explicit algorithm. It is implemented in ABAQUS through a user-defined material subroutine, by which damage evolution could be incorporated into the analysis of seismic performance of steel structures. The case study taken up here is the investigation of a steel connection with a reduced beam section(RBS) and a steel frame with such connections. The material softening effect during the failure process is particularly investigated. The results show that material softening in the vulnerable zone has a significant effect on the distribution of stress and strain fields, as well as on the carrying capacity of the steel connection with RBS. Further, material softening is found to have almost negligible effect on the seismic performance of the steel frame in the early stages of the loading process, but has a large effect when the steel frame is about to fail. These findings offer a practical reference for the assessment of seismic structural failure, and help in understanding the damage mechanism of steel structures under seismic loading.

Fault Identification for Shear-Type Structures Using Low-Frequency Vibration Modes

Shear-type structures are common structural forms in industrial and civil buildings,such as concrete and steel frame structures.Fault diagnosis of shear-type structures is an important topic to ensure the normal use of structures.The main drawback of existing damage assessment methods is that they require accurate structural finite element models for damage assessment.However,for many shear-type structures,it is difficult to obtain accurate FEM.In order to avoid finite elementmodeling,amodel-freemethod for diagnosing shear structure defects is developed in this paper.This method only needs to measure a few low-order vibration modes of the structure.The proposed defect diagnosis method is divided into two stages.In the first stage,the location of defects in the structure is determined based on the difference between the virtual displacements derived from the dynamic flexibility matrices before and after damage.In the second stage,damage severity is evaluated based on an improved frequency sensitivity equation.Themain innovations of this method lie in two aspects.The first innovation is the development of a virtual displacement difference method for determining the location of damage in the shear structure.The second is to improve the existing frequency sensitivity equation to calculate the damage degree without constructing the finite elementmodel.Thismethod has been verified on a numerical example of a 22-story shear frame structure and an experimental example of a three-story steel shear structure.Based on numerical analysis and experimental data validation,it is shown that this method only needs to use the low-order modes of structural vibration to diagnose the defect location and damage degree,and does not require finite element modeling.The proposed method should be a very simple and practical defect diagnosis technique in engineering practice.

Seismic Response Analysis of Steel Structure Isolation System Under Long-Period Seismic Motion

To analyze the seismic response of steel structure isolation systems under long-period seismic motion,a 9-story steel frame building was selected as the subject.Five steel structure finite element models were established using SAP2000.Response spectrum analysis was conducted on the seismic motion to determine if it adhered to the characteristics of long-period seismic motion.Modal analysis of each structural model revealed that the isolation structure significantly prolonged the structural natural vibration period and enhanced seismic performance.Base reactions and floor displacements of various structures notably increased under long-period seismic motion compared to regular seismic activity.Placing isolation bearings in the lower part of the structure proved more effective under long-period seismic motion.In seismic design engineering,it is essential to consider the impact of long-period seismic motion on structures and the potential failure of isolation bearings.

STUDY ON DISLOCATION STRUCTURES IN WELDED METALS UNDER FATIGUE LOAD

With transmission electron microscope, it has been observed and analyzed that the dislocation arrangements and the fatigue damage of eutectoid present in welded metals which are loaded at different fatigue loads and load cycles. The results indicated that the character of fatigue damage in ferrites of welded metals is the dislocation arrangement change and eutectoids of welded metals are the broken cementites. This may produce microcracks.

Flexural Capacity Formula of Diaphragm-Through Joints of Concrete-Filled Square Steel Tubular Columns

Finite element analysis and parametric studies were performed to investigate the flexural capacity of the panel zone of diaphragm-through joints between concrete-filled square steel tubular columns and H-shaped steel beams. Through the comparisons of failure modes, load–displacement curves, and bearing capacity, it was found that the flexural capacity of the panel zone of diaphragm-through joints was determined by the tensile action and influence of the web of H-shaped steel beams, and the axial load should be taken into account. The steel tube and the diaphragm were the major parts of the joint that resisted the bending moment. The contribution of in-filled concrete had little influence on the flexural capacity of the panel zone of the joint and could be neglected. According to the results of these numerical studies, a formula that considered the influence of the web of H-shaped steel beams and the axial load was developed based on the yield lines in the diaphragm and the steel tube. The results of the proposed formula were in good agreement with the numerical data of this investigation. © 2017, Tianjin University and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.

Dynamic Analysis of Steel Platforms When Subjected to Mechanical Equipment-Induced Vibrations

The competitive trends of the world market have long been forcing structural engineers to develop minimum weight and labour cost solutions. A direct consequence of this new design trend has been a considerable increase in problems related to undesired floor vibrations. For this reason, structural floor systems can become vulnerable to excessive vibrations that are produced by, for example, impacts due to mechanical equipment （e.g., rotating machinery）. This study investigates the dynamic behaviour of a production platform constructed of steel and located in the Santos Basin （Merluza field）, Sao Paulo/SP, Brazil, when subjected to impacts produced by mechanical equipment （rotating machinery）. The structural model consists of two steel decks with a total area of 1,915 m^2 （upper deck： 445 m^2, lower deck： 1,470 m^2） and supported by piles. A numerical analysis is performed to assess the dynamic impacts on the deck structure originating from the electrical generators and compressors. Based on the peak acceleration values obtained for the structure steady-state response, it is possible to evaluate the structural model performance in terms of human comfort, the maximum tolerances of the mechanical equipment and the vibration serviceability limit states of the structure.

Fatigue Test of Homemade Z Direction Steel Welded T Tubular Joints

This paper introduces the process and result of fatigue test of steel (Z direction steel) welded T tubular joints used in offshore engineering. Detailed measurement of stress concentration factor, stress distribution, fatigue life and crack development has been performed. Through analysis, an empirical formula of stress concentration factor for T tubular joints, fatigue S-N curve and crack propagation rule are obtained.

Development of Light Weight Structures to Provide Blast-Resistant Designs

In the past, blast-resistant designs for structures were often constructed with massive type structural systems, which relied more on brute strength than on finesse to achieve the required blast resistance. However, structures composed of COLD-FORMED steel components, such as sheet metal and metal studs, have shown great promise in providing blast resistance with the added benefits of low cost and ease of construction. Some examples of using such structures to provide containment for package handling facilities (PHF) are described in the paper for situations where blast containment is needed, such as a potential package bomb being discovered during the package vetting process. Results from tests and analytic data are used to illustrate aspects of design peculiar to such types of applications. Designs for specific capacities of PHF are described.

Double⁃Shear Experiments of Cold⁃Formed Steel Stud⁃to⁃Sheathing Connections at Elevated Temperatures

The behavior of cold⁃formed steel(CFS)stud⁃to⁃sheathing connections at elevated temperatures is an important parameter for the fire resistance design and modeling of mid⁃rise CFS structures.In this paper,three kinds of sheathings,namely,medium⁃and low⁃density calcium⁃silicate boards and oriented strand board,were selected for double⁃shear experiments on the mechanical properties of 253 screw connections at ambient and elevated temperatures.The effects of the shear direction,screw edge distance and the number of screws on the behavior of the connections were studied.The results showed that the shear direction and the screw edge distance more significantly influenced the peak deformation,while their impacts on the peak load varied with the type of sheathings.Compared with the single⁃screw connections,the peak loads of the specimens with double⁃screw connections obviously increased but did not double.Finally,a simplified load⁃displacement curve model of stud⁃to⁃sheathing connections at elevated temperature was generated first by establishing the prediction formula for characteristic parameters,such as the peak load,the peak deformation and the elastic stiffness,and then by considering whether the curves corresponded to stiffness increase phenomena.The present investigation provides basic data for future studies on the numerical modeling of CFS structures under fire conditions.

Structural Analysis and Design of Steel Connections Using Component-Based Finite Element Model

This paper introduces CBFEM （component-based finite element model） which is a new method to analyze and design connections of steel structures. Design focused CM （component model） is compared to FEM （finite elements models）. Procedure for composition of a model based on usual production process is used in CBFEM. Its results are compared to those obtained by component method for portal frame eaves moment connection with good agreement. Design of moment resistant column base is demonstrated by a case loaded by two directional bending moments and normal force. Interaction of several connections in one complex joint is explained in the last example. This paper aims to provide structural engineers with a new tool to effectively analyze and design various joints of steel structures.

Laser cleaning of steel structure surface for paint removal and repaint adhesion

Paint removal from steel structure is executed for shipyards of marine and offshore engineering.Due to environmental unfriendliness and unhealthy drawbacks of sand blasting technique, laser ablation technique is proposed as a substituting method.By absorbing high energy of the 1064 nm pulsed laser, the paint is vaporized quickly.The ablated debris is then collected by using a suction pump.Initial metal surface of the steel is exposed when laser beam irradiates perpendicularly and scans over it.The cleaned surface fulfills the requirements of surface preparation standards ISO 8501 of SA2.The adhesion is further characterized with pull-off test after carrying out painting with Jotamastic 87 aluminum paint.The repainting can be embedded onto the laser cleaned surface to bond much more tightly.The excellent adhesion strength of 20 MPa between repainted coating and the substrate is achieved, which is higher than what is required by shipyards applications.

INVESTIGATION OF LOW CYCLE FATIGUE BEHAVIOROF BUILDING STRUCTURAL STEELS UNDEREARTHQUAKE LOADING

Based on the failure model of building structural steels under earthquake loading, the low cycle fatigue test at constant strain, the stochastical fatigue test under real earthquake load spectrum and the structural fatigue test are carried out. The experimental results show that microalloying of V Ti and Nb can improve the anti-seismic propersties of steel bars. In the high strain and shori life range, both the static strength and ductility of steels are very important to increasing the low cycle fatigue resistance of steels.

Effects of low temperature on properties of structural steels

The experiments were carried out to measure the mechanical properties ofthree grades of structural steels (Q235A, 16Mn and Q390E steel) at low temperature. It was shownthat the strength of the steels increases while the plasticity and toughness decrease as temperaturedrops. In the transitional area the toughness drops rapidly with temperature. Among the threestructural steels, Q390E steel has the best toughness and the lowest sensitivity.

Methodology to Estimate Remaining Service Life of Steel Structure by Possibilistic Reliability Theory

Steel structure system of crane deteriorates over time due to environmental effects, material fatigue, and overloading. System structural reliability and remaining service life assessment methods are developed during the few decades. But until now estimating remaining service life methods of crane steel system by reliability theory begin to develop. Safety assessment of existing steel structure system requires the development of a methodology that allows for an accurate evaluation of reliability and prediction of the remaining life. Steel structures are the supporting elements in the special equipment such as hoisting machinery. Structure reliability and remaining service life safe assessment are important for steel structures. For finding the reason which caused the failure modes （such as fatigue strength failure, stiffness failure and stability failure）, incremental loading method based on possibilistic reliability is applied into dynamic structure failure path research. Through reliability analyzing and calculating for crane, it is demonstrated that fatigue damage is the most common failure mode. Fuzzy fatigue damage accumulation theory is used for basis theory and Paris-Eadogan equations are used for mathematical modeling. All fatigue parameter values of the welding box girder of bridge cranes are determined and fatigue remaining life formulas are deduced. After field test and collecting working parameters of numerous cranes, typical fatigue load spectrum was compiled for the dangerous point of box girders used in the area. Fatigue remaining life is assessed for different types and lifting capacities. Safety for steel structure system of bridge crane is assessed by two quantitative indexs： reliability and remaining life. Therefore, the evaluation means is more comprehensive and reasonable. The example shows that the two quantitative indexs are mutually correlated. Through analyzing the 120 t-22.5 m bridge crane of a certain enterprise, a new methodology to estimate remaining service life of steel structure by possibilistic reliability theory is introduced for safety evaluation of structure system.

Finite element model updating for large span spatial steel structure considering uncertainties

In order to establish the baseline finite element model for structural health monitoring,a new method of model updating was proposed after analyzing the uncertainties of measured data and the error of finite element model.In the new method,the finite element model was replaced by the multi-output support vector regression machine(MSVR).The interval variables of the measured frequency were sampled by Latin hypercube sampling method.The samples of frequency were regarded as the inputs of the trained MSVR.The outputs of MSVR were the target values of design parameters.The steel structure of National Aquatic Center for Beijing Olympic Games was introduced as a case for finite element model updating.The results show that the proposed method can avoid solving the problem of complicated calculation.Both the estimated values and associated uncertainties of the structure parameters can be obtained by the method.The static and dynamic characteristics of the updated finite element model are in good agreement with the measured data.

Evaluation Indicators and Extraction Method for Pitting Corrosion of Structural Steel

A set of evaluation indicators based on corrosion ratio in theory for assessing the extent of pitting corrosion and performance reduction are proposed. In order to quantify the morphology of pitting corrosion and extract the evaluation indicators,the 3D profile data obtained by pitting morphology measurement are imported into a special written program to automatically determine the location of each corrosion pit and distill any desired data pertinent to the pitting morphology. The results show that this method seems to be effective to analyze the corroded surface and characterize the pitting morphology.