Effects of Using Gusset Plate Stiffeners on the Seismic Performance of Concentrically Braced Frame

Authors: B. Mohebi, N. Asadi, F. Kazemi

Abstract:

Inelastic deformation of the brace in Special Concentrically Braced Frame (SCBF) creates inelastic damages on gusset plate connections such as buckling at edges. In this study, to improve the seismic performance of SCBFs connections, an analytical study was undertaken. To improve the gusset plate connection, this study proposes using ‎edge’s stiffeners in both sides of gusset plate.‎ For this purpose, in order to examine edge’s stiffeners effect on gusset plate connections, two groups of modeling with and without considering edge’s stiffener and different types of braces were modeled using ABAQUS software. The results show that considering the edge’s stiffener reduces the equivalent plastic strain values at a connection region of gusset plate with beam and column, which can improve the seismic performance of gusset plate. Furthermore, considering the edge’s stiffeners significantly decreases the strain concentration at regions where gusset plates have been connected to beam and column. Moreover, considering 2t_pl distance causes reduction in the plastic strain.

Keywords: Special concentrically braced frame, gusset plate, edge’s stiffener, seismic performance.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI): doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3593238

References:

[1] LRFD, AISC. "American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC)." Load and resistance factor design. Chicago: AISC, 2010.
[2] Whitmore. R. E., “Experimental investigation of stresses in gusset plates”, Engineering Experiment Station, Bulletin No 16, University of Tennessee, 1952.
[3] Astaneh-Asl. A., “Seismic Behavior and Design of Gusset Plates”, Technical Information & Product, 1998.
[4] Nast. T. E. Grondin. G. Y. Cheng. J, J. R., “Cyclic Behavior of Stiffened Gusset Plate Brace Member Assemblies”, Structural Engineering Report No. 229, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, 1998.
[5] Kazemi, F., Mohebi, B., and Yakhchalian, M. (2019). “Predicting the seismic collapse capacity of adjacent ‎structures‎ prone‎ to pounding‎”, Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering.‎
[6] Kazemi, F., Mohebi, B., and Yakhchalian, M. (2018). “Evaluation of the P-Delta Effect on Collapse Capacity ‎of Adjacent Structures Subjected to Far-field Ground Motions”, Civil Engineering Journal, 4(5), 1066-1073.‎
[7] Yoo J. H., Roeder C. W., and Lehman D. E. “Analytical performance simulation of special concentrically braced frames”, J. Struct Eng ASCE, 134(6), 881-889, 2008.
[8] Nascimbene R., Rassati G. A. and Wijesundara K. K. “Numerical simulation of gusset plate connections with rectangular hollow section shape brace under quasi-static cyclic loading”, Journal of Steel Constructional steel research, 70, 177-189, 2012.
[9] Hassan M. M., Ramadan H. M., Naeem M. and Mourad S. A.“ Behavior of gusset plate-T0-CCFT connections with different configurations”, Steel and Composite Structures, 17(5), 735-751, 2014.
[10] Ryan, Terence, et al. "Recommendations for numerical modeling of concentrically braced steel frames with gusset plate connections subjected to earthquake ground motion." Journal of Structural Integrity and Maintenance 2.3: 168-180, 2017.
[11] Hibbitt, Karlsson, and Sorensen. ABAQUS/Standard user's manual. Vol. 1. Hibbitt, Karlsson & Sorensen, 2001.
[12] Code, Iranian Steel Design. "Standard No. 10 of National Codes for Structural Design." 2013.
[13] Lehman, D. E., Roeder, C. W., Herman, D., Johnson, S. and Kotulka, B. “Improved seismic performance of gusset plate connections.” J. Struct. Eng., approved and awaiting publication, 2008.
[14] ASCE/SEI 41-13. American society of civil engineers. “Seismic evaluation and retrofit of existing buildings.” Reston; 2013.