Experimental Studies of Full-Scale Posttensioned Steel Connections
Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 131, Issue 3
Abstract
Six full-scale interior connection subassemblies of posttensioned wide flange beam-to-column moment connections were subjected to inelastic cyclic loading up to 4% story drift to simulate earthquake loading effects. Bolted top and seat angles are used in the connection, along with posttensioned high strength strands that run parallel to the beam. These strands compress the beam flanges against the column flange to develop the resisting moment to service loading and to provide a restoring force that returns the structure to its initial position following an earthquake. The parameters studied in these experiments were the initial posttensioning force, the number of posttensioning strands, and the length of the reinforcing plates. The experimental results demonstrate that the posttensioned connection possesses good energy dissipation and ductility. Under drift levels of 4%, the beams and columns remain elastic, while only the top and seat angles are damaged and dissipate energy. The lack of damage to the beams, columns, and the posttensioning enable the system to return to its plumb position (i.e., it self-centers). Closed-form expressions are presented to predict the connection response and the results from these expressions compare well with the experimental results.
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Acknowledgments
The research reported herein was supported by the National Science Foundation (Dr. Ken Chong and Dr. Ashland Brown cognizant program officials) and a Lehigh University Fellowship. The research was also supported by a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Technology Alliance (PITA) program. The opinions expressed in this paper are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the sponsors.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 131 • Issue 3 • March 2005
Pages: 438 - 448
Copyright
© 2005 ASCE.
History
Received: Nov 18, 2003
Accepted: Jun 10, 2004
Published online: Mar 1, 2005
Published in print: Mar 2005
Notes
Note. Associate Editor: Sherif El-Tawil
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