Machine Learning-Driven Capacity Design and Embodied Carbon Reduction Optimization in Composite Reduced Web Section (RWS) Connections
Description
A comprehensive database of RWS connections has been assembled, encompassing data from 16 test and finite element (FE) programmes. The parameters include the primary attributes of the test programme, geometric properties, material characteristics, and response variables. The database was standardised using SI units to ensure consistency. This database encompasses both bare steel and composite RWS connections, as well as benchmarked solid webbed-beam connections. The database accounts for different types of test setups, namely, cantilever, cruciform and frame arrangements, with load and/or displacement is applied at the beam, or the column ends. Data for both welded and bolted extended end-plate connections are included, featuring configurations with three or four rows of bolts. Additionally, the database captures variations in steel and concrete cross-sectional geometries, nominal and measured material properties, from specifications of different countries. The descriptive statistics of the dataset, which consists of 801 RWS connection samples, covering a range of geometric, material, and mechanical properties. The dataset includes five connection types, with the Bolted Extended End-Plate (4 rows) configuration being the most common, followed by the Welded Connection, Pre-Northridge, Bolted Extended End-Plate (3 rows), and WUF-B. The geometric parameters show considerable variation, with web opening diameter (d_o) ranging from 0 to 525 mm, End-distance of a web opening (S_e) varying from 0 to 1675 mm (mean = 353.74 mm), and column height (h_c) ranging between 160 mm and 650 mm (mean = 362.12 mm). The flange thickness (t_bf) ranges from 8 mm to 28 mm, while the web thickness (t_bw) spans from 6 mm to 18 mm, influencing the capacity metrics of the RWS connections. The material properties also exhibit variability, with column yield strength (f_ynC) and beam yield strength (f_ynB) averaging 338.25 MPa and 336.69 MPa, respectively, while concrete compressive strength (f_c) varies widely from 0 to 38.08 MPa. In total, the database comprises 801 test specimens and FE models of RWS connections, including 20 benchmarked solid webbed-beam counterparts. Despite its extensive scope, a small number of experimental and FE programmes were excluded due to insufficient test or modelling details. This database represents a valuable resource for advancing the understanding and development of RWS connections for seismic-resistance structural design.