Parametric study on T-stub flange-to-column semi-rigid moment connection using shape memory alloys under cyclic loading

Steel connections, specifically the ones with bolted end-plate and T-stub, have been widely used in industrial buildings and can be considered a suitable choice for moment-resisting frames. This article intends to introduce a model which can improve this type of connection's behavior and eliminate its defects through a new method. The parametric analysis of this T-stub flange connection is carried out by using shape memory alloy (SMA) and changing geometric properties of the connection parts in 12 models created in finite element software, Abaqus. Finally, the most optimum cases are introduced after studying and comparing the results of these changes and their impacts. Results of this analysis show that the maximum moment capacity of this connection is slightly sensitive to thickness changes of the T-stub flange. Moreover, using SMAs has considerably increased the connection's ductility.

Parametric study on T-stub flange-to-column semi-rigid moment connection using shape memory alloys under cyclic loading Keywords:

Semi-rigid column to beam flange connection , T-stub , shape memory alloy , Prequalified connections , connection cyclic response