Cyclic Response Characteristics of SCC Extended End-Plate Reduced Web Section (RWS) Connections
Description
A total of 285 parametric FE models were developed for RWS connections with various configurations. Three additional FE models of solid-webbed connections (without web openings) were developed for comparison. Three parameters were selected to investigate the effect of the presence of composite action to the plastic zone (i.e., web opening) on the performance of a steel-concrete composite bolted extended end-plate RWS connection subjected to cyclic loading. This study aims to address the extant knowledge gap regarding the cyclic response characteristics of RWS connections with composite slabs by comprehensively analysing the findings of parametric investigation to promote the use of RWS connections in MRFs in seismic areas. In this study, the end-distance, S_o, complies with SCI-P355 which specifies the minimum width of the end-post, from the column face to the edge of the web opening. Accordingly, the FE models with a web opening diameter d_o of 50% of the beam’s depth (h) start with an end-distance S_o equal to 50% of h to comply with SCI-P355. Similarly, for FE models with d_o= 0.55h, start with S_o is equal to 0.55h. This guide applies to all different diameters considered in the study. The presence and absence of bolted shear studs above the web opening was used to classify the specimens as having high (H) or low (L) composite action, respectively, according to EC8-1 clause 7.7.5 and ANSI/AISC 358-16. The steel elements and concrete slab were kept the same as in the experimental test in terms of dimensions and material grades.