Behavior of Steel Moment Frames Using Top-and-Seat Angle Connections under Various Column-Removal Scenarios
Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 147, Issue 10
Abstract
Top-and-seat angle connections are a conventional type of steel moment connection. However, their capacity in accommodating columns loss is rarely studied. In this study, five multistory steel moment subframes using top-and-seat angle connections were fabricated and tested to investigate their performance while subjected to various column-removal scenarios, including: (1) a middle column loss, (2) a penultimate column loss, and (3) a corner column loss. Moreover, the effects of the thickness of steel angle on load resistance were quantified. The test results indicated that load-resisting capacity increased significantly with the increase of angle thickness. In both middle column and penultimate column removal scenarios, catenary action was developed in the frames. It was also noticed that flexural action dominated the load-resisting mechanism of the frames under a corner column loss scenario. For beams in different stories, similar flexural resistance was developed. However, the beams in the first story were able to develop larger catenary action than that in the second story. It is worth noting that, for a corner column missing scenario, Vierendeel action helps to enhance the flexural action significantly.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
This research was supported by a research grant provided by the Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 52022024 and 51778153). Any opinions, findings and conclusions expressed in this paper are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the view of Natural Science Foundation of China.
References
Abdalla, K. M., G. A. Drosopoulos, and G. E. Stavroulakis. 2015. “Failure behavior of a top and seat angle bolted steel connection with double web angles.” J. Struct. Eng. 141 (7): 04014172. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ST.1943-541X.0001132.
AISC. 2005. Specification for structural steel buildings. ANSI/AISC 360-16. Chicago: AISC.
Alashker, Y., H. H. Li, and S. Ei-Tawil. 2011. “Approximations in progressive collapse modeling.” J. Struct. Eng. 137 (9): 914–924. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ST.1943-541X.0000452.
Azizinamini, A. 1982. “Monotonic response of semi-rigid steel beam to column connections.” M.Sc. thesis, College of Engineering, Univ. of South Carolina.
Beland, T., C. R. Bradley, J. Nelson, J. G. Sizemore, A. Davaran, R. Tremblay, E. M. Hines, and L. A. Fahnestock. 2020a. “Experimental parametric characterization of bolted angle connection behavior.” J. Struct. Eng. 146 (8): 04020160. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ST.1943-541X.0002662.
Beland, T., R. Tremblay, E. M. Hines, and L. A. Fahnestock. 2020b. “Full-scale cyclic rotation and shear-load testing of double web with top and seat angle beam-column connections.” J. Struct. Eng. 146 (8): 04020164. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ST.1943-541X.0002685.
Beland, T., R. Tremblay, E. M. Hines, and L. A. Fahnestock. 2020c. “Rotational capacity of bolted double-web-angle beam-column gravity connections through full-scale experimental testing.” J. Struct. Eng. 146 (7): 04020111. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ST.1943-541X.0002661.
Bruneau, M., C. M. Uang, and A. Whittaker. 1997. Ductile design of steel structures, 480. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Danesh, F., A. Pirmoz, and A. S. Daryan. 2007. “Effect of shear force on the initial stiffness of top and seat angle connections with double web angles.” J. Constr. Steel Res. 63 (9): 1208–1218. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcsr.2006.11.011.
Davaran, A., T. Beland, and R. Tremblay. 2019. “Elastic-plastic analysis of bolted angles usable in steel frame connections.” J. Struct. Eng. 145 (7): 04019048. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ST.1943-541X.0002320.
Dimopoulos, C. A., F. Freddi, T. L. Karavasilis, and G. Vasdravellis. 2020. “Progressive collapse resistance of steel self-centering MRFs including the effects of the composite floor.” Eng. Struct. 208 (Apr): 109923. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2019.109923.
Dinu, F., I. Marginean, and D. Dubina. 2017. “Experimental testing and numerical modelling of steel moment-frame connections under column loss.” Eng. Struct. 151 (Nov): 861–878. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2017.08.068.
Dinu, F., I. Marginean, D. Dubina, and I. Petran. 2016. “Experimental testing and numerical analysis of 3D steel frame system under column loss.” Eng. Struct. 113 (Apr): 59–70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2016.01.022.
Faella, C., V. Piluso, and G. Rizzano. 2000. Structural steel semirigid connections: Theory, design and software. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.
Fu, F. 2009. “Progressive collapse analysis of high-rise building with 3-D finite element modeling method.” J. Constr. Steel Res. 65 (6): 1269–1278. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcsr.2009.02.001.
Fu, F. 2010. “3-D nonlinear dynamic progressive collapse analysis of multi-storey steel composite frame buildings—Parametric study.” Eng. Struct. 32 (12): 3974–3980. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2010.09.008.
Fu, F. 2012. “Response of a multi-storey steel composite building with concentric bracing under consecutive column removal scenarios.” J. Constr. Steel Res. 70 (Mar): 115–126. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcsr.2011.10.012.
Gao, S., L. H. Guo, F. Fu, and S. Zhang. 2017. “Capacity of semi-rigid composite joints in accommodating column loss.” J. Constr. Steel Res. 139 (Dec): 288–301. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcsr.2017.09.029.
Garlock, M., J. M. Ricles, and R. Sause. 2003. “Cyclic load tests and analysis of bolted top-and-seat angle connections.” J. Struct. Eng. 129 (12): 1615–1625. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9445(2003)129:12(1615).
Gong, Y. 2014. “Ultimate tensile deformation and strength capacities of bolted-angle connections.” J. Constr. Steel Res. 100 (6): 50–59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcsr.2014.04.029.
Gong, Y. 2017. “Test, modeling and design of bolted-angle connections subjected to column removal.” J. Constr. Steel Res. 139 (Dec): 315–326. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcsr.2017.10.004.
GSA (General Services Administration). 2013. Progressive collapse analysis and design guidelines for new federal office buildings and major modernization projects. Washington, DC: GSA.
Hasan, M. J., M. Ashraf, and B. Uy. 2017. “Moment-rotation behaviour of top-seat angle bolted connections produced from austenitic stainless steel.” J. Constr. Steel Res. 136 (2): 149–161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcsr.2017.05.014.
Hou, J., L. Song, and H. H. Liu. 2016. “Testing and analysis on progressive collapse-resistance behavior of RC frame substructures under a side column removal scenario.” J. Perform. Constr. Facil. 30 (5): 04016022. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CF.1943-5509.0000873.
Khandelwal, K., and S. Ei-Tawil. 2007. “Collapse behavior of steel special moment resisting frame connections.” J. Struct. Eng. 133 (5): 646–655. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9445(2007)133:5(646).
Kong, Z. Y., and S. E. Kim. 2017. “Numerical estimation for initial stiffness and ultimate moment of top-seat angle connections without web angle.” J. Struct. Eng. 143 (10): 04017138. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ST.1943-541X.0001875.
Lee, C. H., S. Kim, and K. Lee. 2010. “Parallel axial-flexural hinge model for nonlinear dynamic progressive collapse analysis of welded steel moment frames.” J. Struct. Eng. 136 (2): 165–173. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ST.1943-541X.0000102.
Lew, H. S., J. A. Main, S. D. Robert, F. Sadek, and V. P. Chiarito. 2013. “Performance of steel moment connections under a column removal scenario. I: Experiments.” J. Struct. Eng. 139 (1): 98–107. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ST.1943-541X.0000618.
Li, H. H., X. H. Cai, L. Zhang, B. Y. Zhang, and W. Wang. 2017. “Progressive collapse of steel moment-resisting frame subjected to loss of interior column: Experimental tests.” Eng. Struct. 150 (Nov): 203–220. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2017.07.051.
Li, L., W. Wang, Y. Y. Chen, and L. H. Teh. 2007. “Column-wall failure mode of steel moment connection with inner diaphragm and catenary mechanism.” Eng. Struct. 131 (Jan): 553–563. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2016.10.032.
Li, L. L., G. Q. Li, B. H. Jiang, and Y. Lu. 2018. “Analysis of robustness of steel frames against progressive collapse.” J. Constr. Steel Res. 143 (Apr): 264–278. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcsr.2018.01.010.
Liu, C., K. H. Tan, and T. C. Fung. 2015a. “Component-based steel beam-column connections modelling for dynamic progressive collapse analysis.” J. Constr. Steel Res. 107 (Apr): 24–36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcsr.2015.01.001.
Liu, C., K. H. Tan, and T. C. Fung. 2015b. “Investigations of nonlinear dynamic performance of top-and-seat with web angle connections subjected to sudden column removal.” Eng. Struct. 99 (Sep): 449–461. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2015.05.010.
Lu, X. Z., L. Zhang, K. Q. Lin, and Y. Li. 2019. “Improvement to composite frame systems for seismic and progressive collapse resistance.” Eng. Struct. 186 (May): 227–242. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2019.02.006.
Meng, B., W. H. Zhong, J. P. Hao, X. Y. Song, and Z. Tan. 2019. “Calculation of the resistance of an unequal span steel substructure against progressive collapse based on the component method.” Eng. Struct. 182 (Mar): 13–28. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2018.12.053.
Oosterhof, S. A., and R. D. Driver. 2015. “Behavior of steel shear connections under column-removal demands.” J. Struct. Eng. 141 (4): 04014126. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ST.1943-541X.0001073.
Pirmoz, A., A. S. Khoei, E. Mohammadrezapour, and A. S. Daryan. 2009. “Moment-rotation behavior of bolted top-seat angle connections.” J. Constr. Steel Res. 65 (4): 973–984. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcsr.2008.08.011.
Qian, K., X. Lan, Z. Li, Y. Li, and F. Fu. 2020a. “Progressive collapse resistance of two-storey seismic configured steel sub-frames using welded connections.” J. Constr. Steel Res. 170 (Jul): 106117. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcsr.2020.106117.
Qian, K., and B. Li. 2015. “Analytical evaluation of the vulnerability of RC frames for progressive collapse caused by the loss of a corner column.” J. Perform. Constr. Facil. 29 (1): 04014025. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CF.1943-5509.0000493.
Qian, K., S. L. Liang, D. C. Feng, F. Fu, and G. Wu. 2020b. “Experimental and numerical investigation on progressive collapse resistance of post-tensioned precast concrete beam-column subassemblages.” J. Struct. Eng. 146 (9): 04020170. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ST.1943-541X.0002714.
Qian, K., S. L. Liang, X. Y. Xiong, F. Fu, and Q. Fang. 2020c. “Quasi-static and dynamic behavior of precast concrete frames with high performance dry connections subjected to loss of a penultimate column scenario.” Eng. Struct. 205 (Feb): 110115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2019.110115.
Qin, X., W. Wang, Y. Y. Chen, and Y. H. Bao. 2016. “A special reinforcing technique to improve resistance of beam-to-tubular column connections for progressive collapse prevention.” Eng. Struct. 117 (Jun): 26–39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2016.03.012.
Rex, C., and W. Easterling. 2003. “Behaviour and modelling of a bolt bearing on a single plate.” J. Struct. Eng. 192 (6): 792–800. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9445(2003)129:6(792).
Sadek, F., J. A. Main, H. S. Lew, and Y. H. Bao. 2011. “Testing and analysis of steel and concrete beam-column assemblies under a column removal scenario.” J. Struct. Eng. 137 (9): 881–892. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ST.1943-541X.0000422.
Sadek, F., J. A. Main, H. S. Lew, and S. El-Tawil. 2013. “Performance of steel moment connections under a column removal scenario. II: Analysis.” J. Struct. Eng. 139 (1): 108–119. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ST.1943-541X.0000617.
Shen, J., and A. Astaneh-Asl. 1999. “Hysteretic behavior of bolted-angle connections.” J. Constr. Steel Res. 51 (3): 201–218. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0143-974X(99)00030-9.
Stevens, D., B. Crowder, D. Sunshine, K. Marchand, R. Smilowitz, E. Williamson, and M. Waggoner. 2011. “DoD research and criteria for the design of buildings to resist progressive collapse.” J. Struct. Eng. 137 (9): 870–880. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ST.1943-541X.0000432.
Stylianidis, P. M., D. A. Nethercot, B. A. Izzuddin, and A. Y. Elghazouli. 2016a. “Robustness assessment of frame structures using simplified beam and grillage models.” Eng. Struct. 115 (May): 78–95. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2016.02.003.
Stylianidis, P. M., D. A. Nethercot, B. A. Izzuddin, and A. Y. Elghazouli. 2016b. “Study of the mechanics of progressive collapse with simplified beam models.” Eng. Struct. 117 (Jun): 287–304. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2016.02.056.
Tang, H. Y., X. Z. Deng, Y. G. Jia, J. G. Xiong, and C. M. Peng. 2019. “Study on the progressive collapse behavior of fully bolted RCS beam-to-column connections.” Eng. Struct. 199 (Nov): 109618. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2019.109618.
US DoD (Department of Defense). 2010. Design of building to resist progressive collapse. Washington, DC: US DoD.
Wang, H., K. H. Tan, and B. Yang. 2020. “Experimental tests of steel frames with different beam–column connections under falling debris impact.” J. Struct. Eng. 146 (1): 04019183. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ST.1943-541X.0002469.
Wang, J. J., W. Wang, and X. D. Qian. 2019. “Progressive collapse simulation of the steel-concrete composite floor system considering ductile fracture of steel.” Eng. Struct. 200 (Dec): 109701. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2019.109701.
Wang, W., C. Fang, X. Qin, Y. Y. Chen, and L. Li. 2016. “Performance of practical beam-to-SHS column connections against progressive collapse.” Eng. Struct. 106 (Jan): 332–347. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2015.10.040.
Wang, W., J. J. Wang, X. Sun, and Y. H. Bao. 2017. “Slab effect of composite subassemblies under a column removal scenario.” J. Constr. Steel Res. 129 (Feb): 141–155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcsr.2016.11.008.
Weigand, J. M., and J. W. Berman. 2016. “Integrity of bolted angle connections subjected to simulated column removal.” J. Struct. Eng. 142 (3): 04015165. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ST.1943-541X.0001429.
Yang, B., and K. H. Tan. 2012. “Component-based model of bolted-angle connections subjected to catenary action.” In Proc., 10th Intl. Conf. on Advances in Steel Concrete Composite and Hybrid Structures, 654–661. Singapore: Research Publishing Services.
Yang, B., and K. H. Tan. 2013a. “Experimental tests of different types of bolted steel beam-column joints under a central-column-removal scenario.” Eng. Struct. 54 (Sep): 112–130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2013.03.037.
Yang, B., and K. H. Tan. 2013b. “Robustness of bolted-angle connections against progressive collapse: Experimental tests of beam-column joints and development of component-based models.” J. Struct. Eng. 139 (9): 1498–1514. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ST.1943-541X.0000749.
Zhong, W. H., Z. Tan, L. M. Tian, B. Meng, X. Y. Song, and Y. H. Zheng. 2020. “Collapse resistance of composite beam-column assemblies with unequal spans under an internal column-removal scenario.” Eng. Struct. 206 (Mar): 110143. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2019.110143.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Copyright
© 2021 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Aug 3, 2020
Accepted: Apr 6, 2021
Published online: Jul 26, 2021
Published in print: Oct 1, 2021
Discussion open until: Dec 26, 2021
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.
Cited by
- Zheng Tan, Wei-hui Zhong, Yao Gao, Bao Meng, Shi-chao Duan, Yu-hui Zheng, Collapse Behavior of Unequal-Span Multistory Composite Frames under the Scenario of Removing an Internal Column, Journal of Structural Engineering, 10.1061/JSENDH.STENG-13563, 150, 12, (2024).
- Kai Qian, Xi Lan, Xiao-Fang Deng, Zhi Li, Effects of Infilled Walls with and without Openings on Progressive Collapse Resistance of Steel Frames under Corner Column Loss Condition, Journal of Structural Engineering, 10.1061/JSENDH.STENG-12268, 149, 8, (2023).
- Nirvan Makoond, Ghobad Shahnazi, Manuel Buitrago, Jose M. Adam, Corner-column failure scenarios in building structures: Current knowledge and future prospects, Structures, 10.1016/j.istruc.2023.01.121, 49, (958-982), (2023).
- Zheng Tan, Wei-hui Zhong, Bao Meng, Yu-hui Zheng, Shi-chao Duan, Effect of various boundary constraints on the collapse behavior of multi-story composite frames, Journal of Building Engineering, 10.1016/j.jobe.2022.104412, 52, (104412), (2022).
- Zheng Tan, Wei-hui Zhong, Bao Meng, Yu-hui Zheng, Shi-chao Duan, Ze-yu Qu, Numerical evaluation on collapse-resistant performance of steel-braced concentric frames, Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 10.1016/j.jcsr.2022.107268, 193, (107268), (2022).
- Xiaolan Yuan, Weizhuo Huang, Guangtao Li, Zhi Li, Xiaofang Deng, Numerical Simulation of Resists Progressive Collapse of the Elevated Station, Proceedings of the 2022 International Conference on Green Building, Civil Engineering and Smart City, 10.1007/978-981-19-5217-3_41, (415-426), (2022).
- Jian Feng, Yifu Sun, Yixiang Xu, Fang Wang, Qian Zhang, Jianguo Cai, Robustness Analysis and Important Element Evaluation Method of Truss Structures, Buildings, 10.3390/buildings11100436, 11, 10, (436), (2021).
- Kai Qian, Xi Lan, Zhi Li, Feng Fu, Effects of Steel Braces on Robustness of Steel Frames against Progressive Collapse, Journal of Structural Engineering, 10.1061/(ASCE)ST.1943-541X.0003161, 147, 11, (2021).