Analysis of bolted connection for H-section beam and square steel tube column

Abstract

A bolted beam-column joint, with a column base connecting the upper and lower columns, is proposed for multi-story steel structures. In the joint, the H-section beam is bolted to the square steel tube columns and the column bases with cover plates and end plates, respectively. To analyze the performance and provide guidelines for design of the proposed joint, finite element analysis was conducted with the models validated against the existing test results. Quasi-static and static FE analysis were conducted on 33 joints with different parameters, analyzing the hysteresis behaviors and slipping behaviors, and obtaining the moment resistance, stiffness and energy dissipation of joints. The variation laws of the bolt tensions, friction forces and the contact pressures were analyzed. According to the results, the slipping load would increase and the hysteresis curve becomes plumper as the number of bolts increases, and larger bolt hole would increase the slip distance but showing no significant effects on the hysteresis curves. Compared with the welded joint, the proposed bolted joints developed larger rotational capacity and energy consumption capacity, and can be designed as rigid joints. Formulas for slipping and ultimate moment of the joints were proposed and verified by FE analysis results.