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A Finite Element Approach for Modeling Bolted Top-and-Seat Angle Components and Moment Connections

Ruffley, Daniel J.

Abstract Details

2011, MS, University of Cincinnati, Engineering and Applied Science: Civil Engineering.
A verified procedure for modeling bolted top and seat angle components and connections for potential use in seismic moment frames using finite element analysis software is presented here. The vast usage of top and seat angle connections in moment frames would fall into the range of partially restrained connections. This type of connection is not currently certified to be used by engineers for moment resistance in any major building specification jurisdiction. The main reason for this is the complex analysis required of a structure to take advantage of such a connection effectively, to say nothing of the complex analysis also necessary on the connection level. However, these connections have been demonstrated to provide economic savings should the engineer invest into these analyses. This work is tailored to aid engineers in analysis on the connection level. The modeling procedure was used to recreate two full-scale top and seat angle connection tests as well as multiple component tests. Load – displacement values from FEA model analyses were compared to experimental data and verified. Mechanistic observation also indicated agreement in the modes of failure of the FEA models with the experimental tests. Given the lack of variety in the failure modes of top and seat angle connections and their components, some of the component tests recreated were t-stub component tests to illustrate the accuracy, precision, and confidence of the modeling procedure. The following failure methods were able to be predicted: tension bolt failure, shear bolt failure, and block shear failure. A beam sensitivity analysis was also performed early in the study that accurately demonstrates the ability to predict the formation of plastic hinge phenomena. All models were created using hexahedral solid elements utilizing reduced integration with either eight or twenty nodes. This modeling procedure so verified could be used as a tool by engineers in preliminary analysis and design stages to alleviate the daunting task of building such a model and analysis from scratch.
Gian Rassati, PhD (Committee Chair)
Thomas Baseheart, PhD (Committee Member)
James Swanson, PhD (Committee Member)
125 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Ruffley, D. J. (2011). A Finite Element Approach for Modeling Bolted Top-and-Seat Angle Components and Moment Connections [Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1304448809

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Ruffley, Daniel. A Finite Element Approach for Modeling Bolted Top-and-Seat Angle Components and Moment Connections. 2011. University of Cincinnati, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1304448809.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Ruffley, Daniel. "A Finite Element Approach for Modeling Bolted Top-and-Seat Angle Components and Moment Connections." Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2011. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1304448809

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)