Experimental and numerical study regarding H-steel all-bolted connection steel frame with composite wall boards

H-steel all-bolted connection steel frame structures with heat preservation and decoration composite wall boards were investigated and the seismic performances of three scaled specimens were studied.The failure modes,hysteresis curves,bearing capacity,ductility,energy dissipation capacity,stiffness degradation and strain distribution were discussed.The calculation method of structural theoretical internal force was presented.The results showed that the overall structural seismic performance was better,and the structural ductility met the demands of elastic-plastic inter-story drift angle for seismic design.The H-steel weak-axis connection structure obtained better energy dissipation capacity,and its bearing capacity and stiffness were slightly different from the strong-axis connection.The heat preservation and decoration performance of composite wallboard and the all-bolted connection of the steel frame realized prefabrication during the whole construction period.The plastic hinge of the steel beam can be moved outwards because of the L-angles,which effectively avoids stress concentration in joint areas and expands the plastic hinge range.The errors between the theoretical structural capacity calculated by the plastic analysis method and the test results were within 2.44%.In addition,structural failure mechanisms and bearing capacities were verified by the finite element(FE)analysis,and the effects of the main parameters on the structures were investigated.The FE verification results were the same as in the test.The research results provide theoretical support and technical guidance for the application of thermal insulation and decorative composite wall panels in H-shaped steel all-bolted steel frames.

Evaluation of the Performance of Galvanized Steel Support in Construction of Living Wall Systems

Currently, Living Wall Systems (LWSs) are assuming great importance in the built environment, due to environmental and aesthetic advantages, as well as the use of urban residual space and underutilized surfaces of buildings. However, the maintenance and the durability of the materials used have been a challenge for architects and professionals in the field. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the anti-corrosion performance of a steel framing profile, galvanized carbon steel (55% Al-Zn), a sustainable material with easy assembly, to apply LWS in the hot and humid tropical climate of Niterói (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). In order to create the conditions of the tests, “X” cut were made in Al-Zn coating, sanding, and application of epoxy and glass fiber-reinforced polyester. After the experiments that lasted four months, the 55% Al-Zn coating was analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The results of the tests were promising for the use of this galvanized steel for application as a support for green vertical facades. 55% Al-Zn coatings are recommended for marine atmospheres due to their good anti-corrosion performance.

Meta databases of steel frame buildings for surrogate modelling and machine learning-based feature importance analysis

Traditionally,nonlinear time history analysis(NLTHA)is used to assess the performance of structures under fu-ture hazards which is necessary to develop effective disaster risk management strategies.However,this method is computationally intensive and not suitable for analyzing a large number of structures on a city-wide scale.Surrogate models offer an efficient and reliable alternative and facilitate evaluating the performance of multiple structures under different hazard scenarios.However,creating a comprehensive database for surrogate mod-elling at the city level presents challenges.To overcome this,the present study proposes meta databases and a general framework for surrogate modelling of steel structures.The dataset includes 30,000 steel moment-resisting frame buildings,representing low-rise,mid-rise and high-rise buildings,with criteria for connections,beams,and columns.Pushover analysis is performed and structural parameters are extracted,and finally,incorporating two different machine learning algorithms,random forest and Shapley additive explanations,sensitivity and explain-ability analyses of the structural parameters are performed to identify the most significant factors in designing steel moment resisting frames.The framework and databases can be used as a validated source of surrogate modelling of steel frame structures in order for disaster risk management.

Shaking table test and numerical analysis of a 1:12 scale model of a special concentrically braced steel frame with pinned connections

This paper describes shaking table tests of a 1：12 scale model of a special concentrically braced steel frame with pinned connections, which was fabricated according to a one-bay braced frame selected from a typical main factory building of a large thermal power plant. In order to investigate the seismic performance of this type of structure, several ground motion accelerations with different levels for seismic intensity Ⅷ, based on the Chinese Code for Seismic Design of Buildings, were selected to excite the model. The results show that the design methods of the members and the connections are adequate and that the structural system will perform well in regions of high seismicity. In addition to the tests, numerical simulations were also conducted and the results showed good agreement with the test results. Thus, the numerical model is shown to be accurate and the beam element can be used to model this structural system.

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.

Response of a 2-story test-bed structure for the seismic evaluation of nonstructural systems

A full-scale, two-story, two-by-one bay, steel braced-frame was subjected to a number of unidirectional ground motions using three shake tables at the UNR-NEES site. The test-bed frame was designed to study the seismic performance of nonstructural systems including steel-framed gypsum partition walls, suspended ceilings and fire sprinkler systems. The frame can be configured to perform as an elastic or inelastic system to generate large floor accelerations or large inter story drift, respectively. In this study, the dynamic performance of the linear and nonlinear test-beds was comprehensively studied. The seismic performance of nonstructural systems installed in the linear and nonlinear test-beds were assessed during extreme excitations. In addition, the dynamic interactions of the test-bed and installed nonstructural systems are investigated.

Numerical simulation of the seismic behavior of self-centering steel beam-column connections with bottom flange friction devices

A new type of steel moment resisting frame with bottom flange friction devices （BFFDs） has been developed to provide self-centering capacity and energy dissipation, and to reduce permanent deformations under earthquakes. This paper presents a numerical simulation of self-centering beam-column connections with BFFDs, in which the gap opening/closing at the beam-column interfaces is simulated by using pairs of zero-length elements with compression-only material properties, and the energy dissipation due to friction is simulated by using truss elements with specified hysteretic behavior. In particular, the effect of the friction bolt bearing against the slotted plate in the BFFDs was modeled, so that the increase in lateral force and the loss of friction force due to the bolt bearing could be taken into account. Parallel elastic-perfectly plastic gap （ElasticPPGap） materials in the Open System for Earthquake Engineering Simulation （OpenSees） were used with predefined gaps to specify the sequence that each bolt went into the bearing and the corresponding increase in bending stiffness. The MinMax material in OpenSees is used to specify the minimum and maximum values of strains of the ElasticPPGap materials. To consider the loss of friction force due to bok bearing, a number of parallel hysteretic materials were used, and the failure of these materials in sequence simulated the gradual loss of friction force. Analysis results obtained by using the proposed numerical model are discussed and compared with the test results under cyclic loadings and the seismic loading, respectively.

A new methodology for energy-based seismic design of steel moment frames

A procedure is proposed whereby input and hysteretic energy spectra developed for single-degree-of-freedom （SDOF） systems are applied to multi-degree-of-freedom （MDOF） steel moment resisting frames. The proposed procedure is verified using four frames, viz., frame with three-, five-, seven- and nine-stories, each of which is subjected to the fault- normal and fault-parallel components of three actual earthquakes. A very good estimate for the three- and five-story frames, and a reasonably acceptable estimate for the seven-, and nine-story frames, have been obtained. A method for distributing the hysteretic energy over the frame height is also proposed. This distribution scheme allows for the determination of the energy demand component of a proposed energy-based seismic design （EBSD） procedure for each story. To address the capacity component of EBSD, a story-wise optimization design procedure is developed by utilizing the energy dissipating capacity from plastic hinge formation/rotation for these moment frames. The proposed EBSD procedure is demonstrated in the design of a three-story one-bay steel moment frame.

The mechanics and deformation of high temperature steel frame rapidly cooled by spray water in fire fighting

A finite element is established for analyzing the dynamical mechanics and deformation of steel frame at high temperature when it is rapidly cooled down by spray water in fire fighting, The simulation result shows that remarkable mechanical coupling effects are produced in the process, and the sectional stress in rapid cooling down is found considerably larger than that in heating-up. Meanwhile, the stress and deformation of a beam mainly related to cooling rate and location are much larger than those of a column in rapid cooling, In fire fighting, the structure on the first or second floor was more dangerous than those on other floors in rapid cooling, These results could provide a theoretical reference for the design of steel structure and fire fighting.

An effective simplified model of composite compression struts for partially-restrained steel frame with reinforced concrete infill walls

To resolve the issue regarding inaccurate prediction of the hysteretic behavior by micro-based numerical analysis for partially-restrained（PR）steel frames with solid reinforced concrete（RC）infill walls,an innovative simplified model of composite compression struts is proposed on the basis of experimental observation on the cracking distribution,load transferring mechanism,and failure modes of RC infill walls filled in PR steel frame.The proposed composite compression struts model for the solid RC infill walls is composed ofαinclined struts and main diagonal struts.Theαinclined struts are used to reflect the part of the lateral force resisted by shear connectors along the frame-wall interface,while the main diagonal struts are introduced to take into account the rest of the lateral force transferred along the diagonal direction due to the complicated interaction between the steel frame and RC infill walls.This study derives appropriate formulas for the effective widths of theαinclined strut and main diagonal strut,respectively.An example of PR steel frame with RC infill walls simulating simulated by the composite inclined compression struts model is illustrated.The maximum lateral strength and the hysteresis curve shape obtained from the proposed composite strut model are in good agreement with those from the test results,and the backbone curve of a PR steel frame with RC infill walls can be predicted precisely when the inter-story drift is within 1%.This simplified model can also predict the structural stiffness and the equivalent viscous damping ratio well when the inter-story drift ratio exceeds 0.5%.

Effectiveness of two conventional methods for seismic retrofit of steel and RC moment resisting frames based on damage control criteria

This study investigates the efficiency of two types of rehabilitation methods based on economic justification that can lead to logical decision making between the retrofitting schemes. Among various rehabilitation methods, concentric chevron bracing（CCB） and cylindrical friction damper（CFD） were selected. The performance assessment procedure of the frames is divided into two distinct phases. First, the limit state probabilities of the structures before and after rehabilitation are investigated. In the second phase, the seismic risk of structures in terms of life safety and financial losses（decision variables） using the recently published FEMA P58 methodology is evaluated. The results show that the proposed retrofitting methods improve the serviceability and life safety performance levels of steel and RC structures at different rates when subjected to earthquake loads. Moreover, these procedures reveal that financial losses are greatly decreased, and were more tangible by the application of CFD rather than using CCB. Although using both retrofitting methods reduced damage state probabilities, incorporation of a site-specific seismic hazard curve to evaluate mean annual occurrence frequency at the collapse prevention limit state caused unexpected results to be obtained. Contrary to CFD, the collapse probability of the structures retrofitted with CCB increased when compared with the primary structures.

Optimal seismic retrofit model for steel moment resisting frames with brittle connections

Based on performance-based seismic engineering, this paper proposes an optimal seismic retrofit model for steel moment resisting frames（SMRFs） to generate a retrofit scheme at minimal cost. To satisfy the acceptance criteria for the Basic Safety Objective（BSO） specified in FEMA 356, the minimum number of upgraded connections and their locations in an SMRF with brittle connections are determined by evolutionary computation. The performance of the proposed optimal retrofitting model is evaluated on the basis of the energy dissipation capacities, peak roof drift ratios, and maximum interstory drift ratios of structures before and after retrofitting. In addition, a retrofit efficiency index, which is defined as the ratio of the increment in seismic performance to the required retrofitting cost, is proposed to examine the efficiencies of the retrofit schemes derived from the model. The optimal seismic retrofit model is applied to the SAC benchmark examples for threestory and nine-story SMRFs with brittle connections. Using the retrofit efficiency index proposed in this study, the optimal retrofit schemes obtained from the model are found to be efficient for both examples in terms of energy dissipation capacity, roof drift ratio, and maximum inter-story drift ratio.

Optimization of design parameters for controlled rocking steel braced dual-frames

A controlled rocking concentrically steel braced frame(CR-CSBF)is introduced as an alternative to conventional methods to prevent major structural damage during large earthquakes.It is equipped with elastic post-tensioned(PT)cables and replaceable devices or fuses to provide overturning resistance and dissipate energy,respectively.Although CR-CSBFs are not officially legalized in globally valid codes for new buildings,it is expected to be presented in them in the near future.The main goal of this study is to determine the optimal design parameters consist of the yield strength and modulus of elasticity of the fuse,the initial force of the PT cable,and the gravity load on the rocking column,considering different heights of the frame,spanning ratios and ground motion types for dual-configuration CR-CSBF.Nonlinear time-history analyses are performed in OpenSees.This study aims to define the optimal input variables as effective design parameters of CR-CSBFs by comparing four seismic responses consisting of story drift,roof displacement,roof acceleration and base shear,and also using the Euclidean metric optimization method.Despite the previous research,this study is innovative and first of its kind.The results demonstrate that the optimal design parameters are variable for various conditions.

Progressive Collapse Analysis of Concrete-Filled Steel Tubular Frames with Semi-rigid Connections

A 9-story concrete-filled steel tubular frame model is used to analyze the response of joints due to sudden column loss. Three different models are developed and compared to study the efficiency and feasibility of simulation, which include substructure model, beam element model and solid element model. The comparison results show that the substructure model has a satisfying capability, calculation efficiency and accuracy to predict the concerned joints as well as the overall framework. Based on the substructure model and a kind of semi-rigid connection for concretefilled square hollow section steel column proposed in this paper, the nonlinear dynamic analyses are conducted by the alternate path method. It is found that the removal of the ground inner column brings high-level joint moments and comparatively low-level axial tension forces. The initial stiffness and transmitted ultimate moment of the semi-rigid connection are the main factors that influence the frame behavior, and their lower limit should be guaranteed to resist collapse. Reduced ultimate moment results in drastic displacement and axial force development, which may bring progressive collapse. The higher initial stiffness ensures that the structure has a stronger capacity to resist progressive collapse.

Study on mechanical characteristics and safety evaluation method of steel frame structure after fire

Mechanical characterization of steel frame structure after fire are ana- lyzed based on fire dynamics, heat transfer theory, structural mechanics, and finite element theory. We study the temperature characteristics and mechanical prop- erties of steel flame structure under different fire locations and propose a safety evaluation method. We also analyze damage level of main flame components, maximum temperature of fire, thermal characteristics of flame components, fir- ing duration, etc. to provide useful information for fire resistance design of the steel frame structure and post-disaster safety evaluation.

Enhancements of Genetic Algorithm for Minimum Cost Design of Steel Frames Considering Fabrication Cost

A discrete optimization problem for minimizing the sum of fabrication cost and steel material cost of sf^el frames under constraints based on Japanese seismic code is set up. Enhancements of the genetic algorithm for the above-mentioned problem are proposed, which are combined with a 1D （one-dimensional） search or a 2D （two-dimensional） search. After the proposed methods are described, they are applied to a five-story frame. A comparison with an exact solution obtained by a revised enumeration algorithm demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed methods.

Comparison of Low Rise Residential Industrialized Building Systems in Turkey

Industrialized building systems came into the agenda in response to requirements of earthquake resistance and rapid construction in Turkey after 1999 Izmit earthquake. CFS （cold-formed steel） framing system is able to meet the existing requirements in the field of low rise residential. But, objective comparison is required for the selection of structural systems used in low rise residentials. CFS system is compared with timber frame and reinforced concrete building systems in terms of design and applicability criterion in circumstances of Turkey, and the results of this comparison are presented in this study. In order to compare building systems objectively, a sample project, has been designed and studied on it. Three structural systems have been separately applied over this project designed in consideration of existing housing stock and preferences of the construction industry of Turkey Evaluation method with different values is selected in comparison and properties of three different structural systems are graded according to evaluation method. As a result of comparison, the CFS system is the most advantageous low rise residential prefabricated construction system in terms of design and applicability

Slotted Hole Effect on Damage Mechanism of Gymnasium Building with RC Frame and Steel Roof

On the 2011 off the Pacific Coast of Tohoku Earthquake, gymnasium buildings exhibited the unexpected structural damages, which prevented a use as evacuation shelters in during- and post-disaster periods. The major failure occurring on the connection between the RC column top and steel roof as well as the cracks in the RC column base was observed during the emergent inspection. According to the earlier studies, it was implied that the presence of the slotted hole possibly deteriorates the seismic capacity;however, the length of slotted hole was fixed at a certain value. Facing this concern, this research attempts to clarify the influence of the slotted hole length through a comprehensive parametric study by pushover and seismic response analyses. In conclusion, it has been discovered that the slotted hole deteriorates the seismic capacity for the connection failure up to almost 50% of that without slotted hole. Moreover, the discrepancy of characteristics obtained by the static and dynamic analyses is originated by means of the presence of slotted hole. This slotted hole effect should be noted by structural engineers and researchers to provide the adequate seismic diagnosis and strengthening.

Discussion on Construction Technology and Welding Deformation of High-Rise Steel Frame Structure

Because of urbanization,land resources in China’s cities has become increasingly scarce.Therefore,modern buildings are becoming taller,making high-rise steel frame structures the new favorite of the construction industry.However,the construction of high-rise steel frame structures requires advanced technology.If the construction technology is effectively implemented and the welding techniques of the construction personnel align with the requirements for high-rise steel frame structures,it can help mitigate deformations in the steel structure,thus preserving the overall construction quality of high-rise steel frame structures.To enhance the applicability of steel frame structures in high-rise buildings,this paper focuses on analyzing the optimization path for the construction process of high-rise steel frame structures.It introduces a tailored approach to control welding-induced deformations in steel frame structures,aiming to make a valuable contribution to the advancement of China’s construction industry.

Numerical modeling of external light gauge steel framed wall systems exposed to bushfire flame zone conditions

Bushfire-related building losses cause adverse economic impacts to countries prone to bushfires.Building materials and components play a vital role in reducing these impacts.However,due to high costs of experimental studies and lack of numerical studies,the heat transfer behavior of building’s external components in bushfire-prone areas has not been adequately investigated.Often large-scale heat transfer models are developed using Computational Fluid Dynamics(CFD)tools,and the availability of CFD models for heat transfer in building components improves the understanding of the behavior of systems and systems of systems.Therefore,this paper uses a numerical modeling approach to investigate the bushfire/wildfire resistance of external Light gauge Steel Framed(LSF)wall systems.Both full-scale and small-scale heat transfer models were developed for the LSF wall systems.Experimental results of six internal and external LSF wall systems with varying plasterboard thickness and cladding material were used to validate the developed models.The study was then extended to investigate the bushfire resistance of seven external wall systems under two different bushfire flame zone conditions.The results illustrate the significant effects of fire curves,LSF wall components and configuration on the heat transfer across the walls.They have shown 1)the favorable performance of steel cladding and Autoclaved Aerated Concrete(AAC)panels when used on the external side of wall systems and 2)the adequacy of thin-walled steel studs’load-bearing capacity during bushfire exposures.This study has shown that most of the investigated external LSF walls could be reused with cost-effective retrofitting such as replacing the Fire Side(FS)steel cladding after bushfire exposures.Overall,this study has advanced the understanding of the behavior of external light steel framed walls under bushfire flame zone conditions.