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

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.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph. D.

Level thesis:degree_level

doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Civil Engineering

Department dc:contributor.department

Civil Engineering

Grantor dc:publisher

Virginia Tech

Year dc:date.issued

2004

Author dc:creator

• Mays, Timothy Wayne

Chairs dc:contributor.committeechair

• Plaut, Raymond H.
• Murray, Thomas M.

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Barker, Richard M.
• Easterling, William Samuel
• Singh, Mahendra P.

• Finite element method
• Dynamic
• Earthquake
• Steel
• Cyclic
• Connection

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Dc Identifier Other

etd-04192000-15200030

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/11245