Application of the Finite Element Method to the Seismic Design and Analysis of Large Moment End-Plate Connections

• Main Author: Mays, Timothy Wayne
• Other Authors: Civil Engineering
• Format: Others
• Published: Virginia Tech 2011
• Subjects: Finite Element; Dynamic; Earthquake; Steel; Cyclic; Connection
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10919/11245; http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-04192000-15200030

Due to problems associated with welded moment connections uncovered after the Northridge earthquake, large bolted connections are becoming a much more attractive alternative for design in seismic regions. However, stringent design requirements established by the AISC Seismic Provisions for Structural Steel Buildings (1997) make current moment end-plate configurations and design procedures inadequate for multi-story buildings. This dissertation first examines and critiques current seismic design philosophies as applied to moment end-plate connections. Next, the finite element method is used to develop much-needed design procedures for large moment end-plate connections, and to improve the understanding of the role of geometric parameters (e.g., bolt pitch and stiffener locations) in the response of these connections. Finally, single-story and multi-story frames incorporating large moment end-plate connections with known moment-rotation characteristics are considered under seismic loading to determine the effectiveness of these systems in dissipating energy caused by the ground motion. === Ph. D.