Cost Optimization of Steel Beam-to-Column Connections using AVOA

The joint-bolt-African Vulture optimization algorithm(AVOA)model is proposed for the design of building connections to improve the stability of steel beam-to-column connections.For this algorithm,the type of steel is first determined,and the number of bolts needed by the corresponding steel type is referenced in Eurocode 3.Then,the bearing capacity of the joint can be calculated.The joint-bolt-AVOA model is established by substituting the bolt number required by the steel into the algorithm to obtain the optimal bolt number required while ensuring joint stability.The results show that the number of bolts required by the joint-bolt-AVOA model based on the stability of steel is lower than that calculated by Eurocode 3.Therefore,AVOA can effectively optimize the number of bolts needed in building connections and save resources.

Residual Capacity of Friction⁃Type High⁃Strength Bolted T⁃stub Connection with Nut Corrosion Damage

Corrosion is a primary cause of the slippage of friction⁃type high⁃strength bolted(FHSB)T⁃stub connections.This paper attempts to quantify the residual capacity of FHSB T⁃stub connections with corroded nuts.Firstly,corrosion simulation tests were conducted on 48 manually cut nuts to find out the relationship between the damage degree of nut section and the residual clamping force(RCF)of bolt.Then,static load tests were carried out on 24 FHSB T⁃stub connections with nuts of different degrees of damage to obtain the failure modes.By finite⁃element(FE)models,a comparative analysis was performed on the initial friction load(IFL)and ultimate strength(US)of each connection with corroded nuts.Finally,the parameters of 96 FE models for FHSB T⁃stub connections were analyzed and used to derive the calculation formulas for the degree of damage for each nut and the IFL and US of each connection.The results show that the RCF decay of a bolt is a quadratic function of the equivalent radius loss ratio and the shear failure after nut corrosion;the IFL of each connection had a clear linear correlation with the RCF of the corresponding bolts,and the correlation depends on the applied load and static friction on connecting plate interface induced by the clamping force;the static friction had little impact on the US of the connection;the proposed IFL and US formulas can effectively derive the residual anti⁃slip capacity of FHSB T⁃stub connections from the degree of damage of the corroded nut section.The research results provide a scientific basis for the replacement and maintenance of corroded bolts of FHSB T⁃stub connections.

A global-local finite element analysis of hybrid composite-to-metal bolted connections used in aerospace engineering

Efficient bolted joint design is an essential part of designing the minimum weight aerospace structures, since structural failures usually occur at connections and interface. A comprehensive numerical study of three-dimensional(3D) stress variations is prohibitively expensive for a large-scale structure where hundreds of bolts can be present. In this work, the hybrid composite-to-metal bolted connections used in the upper stage of European Ariane 5ME rocket are analyzed using the global-local finite element(FE) approach which involves an approximate analysis of the whole structure followed by a detailed analysis of a significantly smaller region of interest. We calculate the Tsai-Wu failure index and the margin of safety using the stresses obtained from ABAQUS. We find that the composite part of a hybrid bolted connection is prone to failure compared to the metal part. We determine the bolt preload based on the clamp-up load calculated using a maximum preload to make the composite part safe. We conclude that the unsuitable bolt preload may cause the failure of the composite part due to the high stress concentration in the vicinity of the bolt. The global-local analysis provides an efficient computational tool for enhancing 3D stress analysis in the highly loaded region.

STRESS-STRAIN FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS AND FATIGUE LIFE PREDICTION FOR BOLTED CONNECTIONS

A cyclic plasticity model is used into finite element (FE) method to obtainthe details of elastic-plastic stress-strain in the bolts under cyclic axial loading. Two criteriain multiaxial fatigue are employed to predict fatigue lives of bolts. The predicted fatigue livesare in favorable agreement with the experimental results for machined bolts.

Fatigue Strength Evaluation of Resin-Injected Bolted Connections Using Statistical Analysis

Different strategies can be used to perform reparations and reinforcements of ancient bolted and riveted metallic bridges. As the riveting process is not currently a common practice, it requires proper equipment and skilled workers. Another solution is the use of welding. However, the weldability of old steels is poor. Bolts are very attractive alternative solutions, and are most commonly used to repair old metallic bridges. Fitted bolts are expensive solutions; the alternative is the use of resin-injected bolts. The behavior of bolted joints with preloaded resin-injected bolts has been studied using quasi-static and creep tests; however, few studies on the slip and fatigue behavior of these joints can be found in the literature. This paper presents an overview of a few experimental programs that were carried out by several authors aiming at evaluating the fatigue behavior of single and double shear resin-injected bolted connections. A comparison between the experimental data of joints with preloaded standard bolts and preloaded resin- injected bolts shows a fatigue strength reduction in the latter. Since Eurocode 3 （EC3） suggests the same fatigue strength curve for joints made of resin-injected bolts and standard bolts, this may raise some con- cerns. Furthermore, research on the feasibility of using both bonded and bolted connections is shown. This last study was performed with high-strength low-alloy structural steel plates and an acrylic struc- tural adhesive for metal bonding. For both case studies, a statistical analysis is performed on fatigue experimental data using linearized boundaries and the Castillo and Fernandez-Canteli model. Fatigue design curves are proposed and compared with the design suggestions of several European and North American standards,

Mechanical Experimental Study on Tensile Bolted Connections of Cross-laminated Timber

In order to explore a kind of high-strength,earthquake-resistant,eco-nomical and suitable connection,4 groups of cross-laminated timber wall-to-floor and wall-to-wall bolted connections were tested under monotonic and cyclic load-ing.The defommation characteristics and failure modes of the cross-laminated tim-ber wall-to-floor and wall-to-wall bolted connections were exploited.Load-slip curves,bearing capacity,yielding point,stiffness and ductility of each group of specimens were analyzed.The test results indicate that the loading process of cross-laminated timber bolted connections under tension can be categorized as five stages,namely the elastic stage,the slip stage,the embedding stage,the yield-ing stage and the ultimate stage.The ultimate tensile capacity of cross-laminated timber bolted wall-to-floor connections is 2.67 times that of the wall-to-wall bolted connections.Compared with cross-laminated timber self-tapping screwed connections,the ultimate tensile capacity of the cross-laminated timber wall-to-floor bolted connections is 2.70 times that of the self-tapping screwed connec-tions,and the ultimate tensile capacity of the cross-laminated timber wall-to-wall bolted connections is 3.83 times that of the self-tapping screwed connections.The crosslaminated timber bolted connections have larger yielding displacement and wider plastic range,and they are more energy dissipative and more ductile.Furthermore,the cost of the cross-laminated timber wall-to-floor bolted connec-tions is 46%that of the self-tapping screwed connections,while the cost of cross-laminated wall-to-wall bolted connections is 53%that of the self-screwed connections.

The Simple Model for Bolted Connections in Fire

Recent structural collapses caused by fire have focused attention on research concerning fire safety in building design. Steel connections are an important component of any structural steel building as they provide links between the principal structural members. Considering the importance of this matter this paper describes a spring-stiffness model developed to predict the behavior of bolted angle connections bare-steel joints at elevated temperature. The joint components are considered as springs with predefined mechanical properties i.e. stiffness and strength. The elevated temperature joint’s response can be predicted by assem-bling the stiffness of the components which are assumed to degrade with increasing temperature based on the recommendations presented in the design parameters code. Comparison of the results from the model with existing experimental data showed good agreement. The proposed model can be easily modified to describe the elevated temperature behavior of other types of joint as well as joints under large rotations.

Experimental study on full-scale steel beam-to-column moment connections

Ten full-scale steel beam-to-column moment connections used in moment-resisting frames （MRFs） were tested to study the failure process, failure mode, strength and plastic rotation capacity. The specimens include one traditional welded flange-bolted web connection, one traditional fully welded connection, four beam flange strengthened connections, three beam flange weakened connections, and one through-diaphragm connection. The test results show that the connections with flange cover plates or with partly cut beam flanges satisfy the beam plastic rotation demand for ductile MRFs. From the measured stress profiles along the beam flange and beam web depth, the mechanics of brittle fracture at the end of the beam is discussed. Design recommendations for steel beam-to-column moment connections are proposed.

A cyclic loading model for beam-to-column web connection

A finite element analysis of the beam-to-column web connection with H-shaped columns was performed using the ANSYS computer program. Based on the finite element analysis and theoretical analysis, a simplified model was developed to describe the cyclic loading behavior of beam-to-columns web connection in steel moment resisting frames, considering both bending and shear deformation modes of the beam flange plate. Several issues appearing to merit further researches were identified in the process of developing this model, such as the effect of beam flange plate on beam-to-column web connection stiffness and strength. A reasonable agreement was achieved between model predictions and finite element data, which verified the feasibility of the proposed model.

Mechanical Behavior of Light Trusses Made of Poplar Laminated Veneer Lumber and Connected with Bolts and Tooth Plates

Poplar Laminated Veneer Lumber(Poplar LVL)is a new type of engineering materials with high strength,good reliability and small variability.Poplar LVL is manufactured from the fast-growing poplar,which is widely used in packaging,furniture and others,however,is rarely adopted in construction.In order to explore the feasibility of poplar LVL trusses in construction of roof,four 4.5-m-span Fink-and-Howe trusses were designed and assembled,which were made of poplar LVL with bolted-and tooth-plated connections.Vertical static loading on the upper chord joints of a truss was imposed by self-balancing test device.The mechanical properties of trusses were examined.The ultimate load,deformation character and failure mode of each truss were measured,observed and analyzed.Furthermore,four types of analytical models with different joint connection assumptions were used to estimate the ultimate load and deflection.The results showed that the poplar LVL trusses were basically in elastic stage before the design load was reached,showing good working performance under the action of design load.The bearing capacity of the trusses of bolted connections was greater than that of the tooth-plated connections.As for the same joint connection type,the bearing capacity of Fink trusses exceeded that of Howe trusses.The poplar LVL light trusses of both types of connections showed good structural performance,which could be reasonably used for building roof systems.

Local Tensile Strength of Connection Between H-Steel Beam Flange and Concrete-Filled Circular Column Tube with Through Diaphragm

This paper focused on investigating local tensile strength of connection between steel beam flange and concrete-filled circular column tube with through diaphragm. Three specimens were designed and tested to failure, and the structure behavior was studied by experiment and FEM analysis. On the basis of the results obtained, an estimation for local plastic and ultimate strengths of the connections using yield line theory was attempted, which results in a good prediction.

Research on BP-ANN Model of Semi-rigid Connection

The beam-to-column semirigid connection in a steel frame structure is represented by a zero-length rotational spring at the end of the beam element. The beam-to-column semirigid connection behavior is represented by its moment-rotation relationship. Several traditional mathematical models have been proposed to fit the moment-rotation curves from the experimental database,but they may be more reliable within certain ranges. In this paper, the intellectualized analytical model is proposed in the semirigid connections for top and seat angles with double web angles using the feed-forward back-propagation artificial neural network （BP-ANN） technique. the intellectualized analytical model from experimental results based on BP-ANN is more reliable and it is a better choice to the moment-rotation curves for beam-to-column semirigid connection. The results are found to provide effectiveness to the experimental response that is satisfactory for use in steel structural engineering design.

Characterization of Strength-Shift Behavior of Bolts Connected with and without Preloading

Bolted joins allow for more efficient joining of parts(mechanical and structural components)when assembly and disassembly,called interchangeability,are concerned.Also and for this reason,they are the most widely used in the final assembly,already in construction,in a state of final consolidation of the structure.This work began in a pedagogical action to compare the experimental results with those obtained by Eurocode 3(EN 1993-1-8)in simple joints with screws subject to cutting,the study evolved the analysis of the behavior of the screws themselves in the joint.Tests were carried out with great dimensional accuracy,for new bolted connections,with different bolt’s number,according to different arrangements and repeated in cases of simple and preloaded tightening.The experimental work,carried out on a uniaxial tensile testing machine,consisted in subjecting the connections to a growing effort so that the bolts,being subject to the cut,would break through the thread-free zone.The analysis of results and their comparison(in force—displacement diagrams)allow drawing conclusions regarding the true behavior of the bolted connections.The characterization of the thresholds of the initial zone of the force—displacement curves,in the cases of connections with preloading—was the objective of study.The transfer of forces and the influence of friction on the bonds without and with preloading were then characterized.The main objective of this project is to know the meaning of the calculated values in the preloaded and non-preloaded links by Eurocode 3.

Numerical Analysis of the Composite Connection of Steel Joist Embedded in Concrete Girder

So far, numerous numerical studies have been conducted on the behavior of Composite Reinforced Concrete-Steel （RCS） beam-to-column connections. However, the lack of studies regarding the steel joist-concrete girder connection has yet to be addressed through comprehensive finite element methods to get an understanding of influential parameters. Hence, in this paper, composite connection of embedded steel joist in concrete girder is investigated with an appropriate finite element software, namely, ABAQUS. The validity of the proposed model is examined by the comparison made with the test data in literature. Results indicate that maximum bending capacity of the connection is achieved when embedment ratio is 1.78. Moreover, double web angles in the embedment region significantly reduce the embedment length required to achieve the maximum bending capacity. Finally, damage analyses show that bending capacity of concrete girder is slightly reduced in the connection zone.

模块化钢结构梁柱子结构抗连续倒塌性能研究

模块化钢结构作为一种高度预制的装配式建筑,具有工业化程度高、绿色节能环保等优点。但是,由于模块化钢结构体系超静定次数较低,其在极端荷载工况下的抗连续倒塌性能应予以特别关注。模块化钢结构梁柱子结构作为主要的传力路径,具有多梁多柱等有别于传统框架梁柱子结构的特点,需对其抗连续倒塌性能开展研究工作。该文针对采用螺栓-角件连接节点的模块化钢结构梁柱子结构进行Pushdown试验及数值模拟,分析了在双柱失效、单柱失效工况下试件的破坏模式和抗连续倒塌机理。结果表明,梁柱子结构在两种工况下的受力机理不同:在双柱失效工况下,梁柱子结构抗力主要由梁机制提供,加载后期抗力提供方式体现出一定的悬链线机制,并随水平连接板厚度的增加而增强;在单柱失效工况下,子结构抗力主要由模块间水平连接抗剪能力提供,由梁机制及悬链线机制提供的抗力较小。

钢管混凝土柱-钢梁外加强环螺栓连接节点抗震性能有限元分析

为深入研究钢管混凝土柱-钢梁外加强环螺栓连接节点的抗震性能,建立了螺栓连接节点的精细化三维实体有限元模型。在对已有试验成果进行验证分析的基础上,研究加劲肋、螺栓连接数量对节点塑性耗能分配机制的影响。结果表明:当钢材本构后期考虑韧性损伤后,有限元计算结果与已有拟静力试验结果更吻合;CFST-1节点(梁高300 mm,有螺栓垫板)耗能能力最优,但仅达到相应焊接节点的一半;与CFST-1节点相比,CFST-3节点(梁高300 mm,无螺栓垫板)及CFST-2节点(梁高250 mm,有螺栓垫板)的总耗能更低;各螺栓节点的塑性耗能分配机制主要依靠梁耗能,而相应的加强环焊接节点主要依靠梁与加强环耗能;当螺栓节点采用环板加劲肋、4排螺栓以及腹板加劲肋构造优化后,刚度、承载力、延性与相应焊接节点一致,总塑性耗能达到刚接节点的79.1%,基本达到刚接节点的抗震水平。

螺栓连接和拉铆连接在剪切循环荷载作用下的松动行为研究

拉铆连接凭借其优秀的防松性能,被应用于越来越多的工程领域。为研究国产新型拉铆钉在剪切循环荷载作用下的松动性能,以应用最为广泛的螺栓连接为对照,分别对规格为8 mm的4.8级普通螺栓、4.8级防松螺栓以及小规格拉铆钉进行剪切循环荷载下的松动试验研究,分析了三类连接在剪切循环荷载作用下的松动过程,研究了荷载幅值和频率对螺栓连接和拉铆连接松动行为的影响。结合微观测试手段分析其损伤形貌,进一步研究剪切循环荷载下螺栓和拉铆钉的防松原理及微动损伤机制。研究表明:在同种工况下拉铆连接的防松性能优于螺栓连接的防松性能;当荷载幅值增大或荷载频率减小时,螺栓连接和拉铆连接的松动程度增大;相较于螺栓,拉铆钉独特的圆弧结构牙型和铆接成型后牙型配合面的过盈配合机制,使其防松性能有明显提升;螺栓与拉铆钉的磨损机制主要是磨粒磨损和疲劳磨损。

单边螺栓连接中心支撑钢框架抗震性能分析

目的为研究支撑-半刚接钢框架结构体系的抗震性能,方法设计了一榀由嵌套式单边螺栓与T型钢构成的半刚性梁柱节点的中心支撑钢框架,并进行了拟静力试验与有限元数值模拟,通过观测整个试验现象,分析了其滞回、承载力、刚度退化、耗能等抗震指标。结果结果表明:试件破坏过程明显经历了弹性段、塑性段、破坏段三个阶段,试件破坏模式主要为支撑受压失稳破坏,塑性变形主要累积在支撑体系上,整体呈现延性破坏特征;支撑断裂后,梁柱及T型钢节点无明显塑性变形,钢框架仍具有较高的安全储备,符合“强节点、弱构件”设计原则,表明了结构具有两道抗震防线;结论支撑与半刚接钢框架协同工作使得试件具有较高的抗侧刚度抵抗水平变形,且承载力较高、滞回性能稳定、耗能能力优良;单边螺栓在试验过程中的受力性能较普通高强螺栓并无较大差别,未出现严重的预紧力松弛现象,并能高效的保持螺栓预紧力。通过有限元数值模拟分析可知,减小支撑长细比,虽能有效提高结构的抗震性能,但长细比较小会导致支撑刚度增大,加速其余构件的损坏。故应以考虑结构的延性为前提,降低支撑的长细比,才能有效提高结构的抗震性能。

马鞍山长江公铁大桥Z3号桥塔施工关键技术

巢马城际铁路马鞍山长江公铁大桥主航道桥为(112+392+2×1120+392+112)m三塔钢桁梁斜拉桥,Z3号桥塔为超高多肢钢-混组合塔,高308 m。上塔柱钢结构高87.5 m,分13个吊装节段,最重505 t;中、下塔柱混凝土结构高217.5 m,分38个节段液压爬模施工;钢-混结合段高3 m,内部采用PBL键+剪力钉+高强度钢锚杆+高强度混凝土结构形式。在中塔柱设置钢管临时横撑控制塔柱线形及应力;下横梁采用落地支架法分层施工,与对应塔柱同步浇筑;钢-混结合段混凝土采用C60细石补偿收缩混凝土+高强度灌浆料,保证了混凝土施工质量;采用工厂“2+1”立体匹配制造、“提升站+运输栈桥”钢塔节段转运等技术,并研制15000 t•m超大型塔吊,实现了钢塔柱大节段的制造、整体滩地运输和吊装;钢塔节段间采用栓焊组合连接形式,通过设置工艺隔板、双面坡口等措施控制了钢塔焊接变形;利用定位桁架临时锁定钢塔合龙段实现了钢塔的精确合龙,定位桁架受力及变形均满足要求。

头部支撑面角对连杆螺栓与大头盖接触应力的影响

国标六角法兰面螺栓对螺栓支撑面角度范围提出设计指导,但没有具体指出最佳角度,且其对螺栓预紧力及支撑面应力的影响尚无明确结论。通过建立发动机连杆螺栓的精细拧紧有限元仿真模型,并利用Yamamoto解析法验证了连杆螺栓有限元模型的准确性。研究了螺栓头部支撑面角对拧紧载荷下连杆螺栓预紧力和应力分布的影响,同时通过计算疲劳安全系数对螺栓头部支撑面的结构可靠性进行综合评估。结果表明:螺栓头部支撑面角取0.5°为最佳;提出了带有U型沉割槽的连杆螺栓结构模型,优化后的螺栓结构在螺栓头部与螺杆结合处的平均应力下降16.2%,平均疲劳安全系数提高19.6%。