Analysis of Factors Affecting the Seismic Performance of Widened Flange Connections in Mid-Flange H-Beams and Box Columns

Following the Northridge and Kobe earthquakes, research has increasingly focused on achieving high ductility in beam-to-column connections. This study investigates the seismic performance of connections featuring widened beam-end flanges in mid-flange H-beams and box columns, an area with limited pr...

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Main Authors: Tigist Demssice Gemechu, Linfeng Lu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-10-01
Series:Buildings
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/14/10/3170
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author Tigist Demssice Gemechu
Linfeng Lu
author_facet Tigist Demssice Gemechu
Linfeng Lu
author_sort Tigist Demssice Gemechu
collection DOAJ
description Following the Northridge and Kobe earthquakes, research has increasingly focused on achieving high ductility in beam-to-column connections. This study investigates the seismic performance of connections featuring widened beam-end flanges in mid-flange H-beams and box columns, an area with limited prior research compared to I-section columns and narrow-flange H-beams. Detailed finite element modeling using ABAQUS 6.1.4 demonstrates that widened beam-end flanges significantly improve bending capacity and ductility by relocating the plastic hinge away from the connection, thereby enhancing seismic resilience. Key findings include the identification of optimal design parameters: flange length ranging from 0.55 to 0.75 times the beam flange width, beam flange cutting length between 0.36 and 0.39 times the beam depth, and flange cutting depth from 0.19 to 0.23 times the beam flange width. These parameters ensure effective plastic hinge development and improved structural performance. This study introduces a novel approach that emphasizes geometric optimization over material-based enhancements, offering a cost-effective and practical solution for improving seismic performance and extending previous research insights.
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spelling doaj-art-f47cd43d257f4cbdbad3f5032dfd87eb2025-08-20T02:11:12ZengMDPI AGBuildings2075-53092024-10-011410317010.3390/buildings14103170Analysis of Factors Affecting the Seismic Performance of Widened Flange Connections in Mid-Flange H-Beams and Box ColumnsTigist Demssice Gemechu0Linfeng Lu1School of Civil Engineering, Chang’an University, 75 Chang’an Middle Rd, Xi’an 710062, ChinaSchool of Civil Engineering, Chang’an University, 75 Chang’an Middle Rd, Xi’an 710062, ChinaFollowing the Northridge and Kobe earthquakes, research has increasingly focused on achieving high ductility in beam-to-column connections. This study investigates the seismic performance of connections featuring widened beam-end flanges in mid-flange H-beams and box columns, an area with limited prior research compared to I-section columns and narrow-flange H-beams. Detailed finite element modeling using ABAQUS 6.1.4 demonstrates that widened beam-end flanges significantly improve bending capacity and ductility by relocating the plastic hinge away from the connection, thereby enhancing seismic resilience. Key findings include the identification of optimal design parameters: flange length ranging from 0.55 to 0.75 times the beam flange width, beam flange cutting length between 0.36 and 0.39 times the beam depth, and flange cutting depth from 0.19 to 0.23 times the beam flange width. These parameters ensure effective plastic hinge development and improved structural performance. This study introduces a novel approach that emphasizes geometric optimization over material-based enhancements, offering a cost-effective and practical solution for improving seismic performance and extending previous research insights.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/14/10/3170steel moment frameseismic performanceconnectionbox columnwidened beam-end flange
spellingShingle Tigist Demssice Gemechu
Linfeng Lu
Analysis of Factors Affecting the Seismic Performance of Widened Flange Connections in Mid-Flange H-Beams and Box Columns
Buildings
steel moment frame
seismic performance
connection
box column
widened beam-end flange
title Analysis of Factors Affecting the Seismic Performance of Widened Flange Connections in Mid-Flange H-Beams and Box Columns
title_full Analysis of Factors Affecting the Seismic Performance of Widened Flange Connections in Mid-Flange H-Beams and Box Columns
title_fullStr Analysis of Factors Affecting the Seismic Performance of Widened Flange Connections in Mid-Flange H-Beams and Box Columns
title_full_unstemmed Analysis of Factors Affecting the Seismic Performance of Widened Flange Connections in Mid-Flange H-Beams and Box Columns
title_short Analysis of Factors Affecting the Seismic Performance of Widened Flange Connections in Mid-Flange H-Beams and Box Columns
title_sort analysis of factors affecting the seismic performance of widened flange connections in mid flange h beams and box columns
topic steel moment frame
seismic performance
connection
box column
widened beam-end flange
url https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/14/10/3170
work_keys_str_mv AT tigistdemssicegemechu analysisoffactorsaffectingtheseismicperformanceofwidenedflangeconnectionsinmidflangehbeamsandboxcolumns
AT linfenglu analysisoffactorsaffectingtheseismicperformanceofwidenedflangeconnectionsinmidflangehbeamsandboxcolumns