Back to results

Virginia Tech

Evaluating the Effect of Decking Fasteners on the Seismic Behavior of Steel Moment Frame Plastic Hinge Regions

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

A series of full-scale beam-to-column moment connection tests were completed to determine the effects of powder actuated fasteners (PAF) and puddle welds on the seismic behavior of steel moment connections. In seismic regions, PAF are currently prohibited in the connection region (referred to as the protected zone) due to the concern of low-cycle fatigue fracture. There is almost no information available in the literature regarding the seismic behavior of moment connections with PAF or puddle welds. Full-scale connection testing is the most accurate way to investigate the behavior of different moment connections with common defects and fasteners applied in the protected zone. However, it is cost prohibitive to conduct full-scale testing programs that are sufficiently comprehensive to investigate a wide range of defect types, severity, and locations. For this reason, it is desired to develop alternative methods of investigation. A finite element (FE) model capable of simulating both the global deformation patterns and local buckling effects in a moment connection has been developed. Validated FE models will allow for further evaluation through numerical simulation of additional configurations. Furthermore, alternate, more economical, test configurations to experimentally investigate the effect of defects on steel moment connections were explored. This report discusses the full-scale test setup, results and analysis of completed experimental testing, the development of an FE connection model, and the preliminary development of alternate test configurations.

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Master of Science
Level thesis:degree_level
masters
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Civil Engineering
Department dc:contributor.department
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Grantor dc:publisher
Virginia Tech
Year dc:date.issued
2013

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Toellner, Bradley W.
Chair dc:contributor.committeechair
  • Eatherton, Matthew R.
Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember
  • Leon, Roberto T.
  • Charney, Finley A.

Subjects

dc:subject × 5

Rights

dc:rights
Statement dc:rights
  • In Copyright

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Dc Identifier Other
vt_gsexam:796
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/23171

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Virginia Tech
Base URL
vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/oai/request
Last updated
2026-07-22
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Toellner, Bradley W.. Evaluating the Effect of Decking Fasteners on the Seismic Behavior of Steel Moment Frame Plastic Hinge Regions. masters thesis, Virginia Tech, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/23171