Study on New Bolted T-Stub Connection with Inserted Plates under Axial and Cyclic Loads

Abstract

The bolted T-stub connection joining beam with column is being widely applied. To enhance the energy dissipation capacity of conventional T-stub connections, two rectangular plates are proposed to be inserted between the T-stub and column, so that the T-stub flange can yield both under tensile and compressive loads. This study put forward a mechanical model of a new T-stub connection with inserted plates and investigated important factors that could affect its mechanical behavior through experimental tests. Thirty specimens were designed with different configurations that differed according to the existence or absence of inserted plates, the fabrication method and the width of inserted plates. These configurations were tested under axial and cyclic loading conditions, and results showed that the proposal aiming to improve the energy dissipation capacity was feasible. The mechanical model presented coincided with the test observation and data. The advent of two inserted plates elevated the load bearing capacity, stiffness and ductility of connections under compression, whereas in tension the properties were not substantially enhanced. The welded T-stub connections outperformed those cut from standard section steel. The energy dissipated by connections with inserted plates was about 150% of that by traditional connections without inserted plates. Only within a reasonable range can the increment of plate width promote the energy dissipation capacity of T-stub connections. The optimum width of plates in terms of energy consumption accounted for around 31% of the overall width of connections.

Experimental and numerical analysis of T-stub steel component under static loading

“…It is noted [6] that the behavior of a T-stub component is so complex that the application of simplified analytical models leads to inaccurate results, in the analysis of the connection between steel elements.…”

Assessing Effectiveness of Shape Memory Alloys on the Response of Bolted T-Stub Connections Subjected to Cyclic Loading

“…There is also an uncertainty about the position of the prying action force in the current state of the art regarding T-stub connectors. The force is assumed to act on the side line of the T-stub in a wide range of analytical models, such as those in [15][16][17][18][19][20][21]. AISC [16,22] and ASCE [23] have adopted this assumption.…”

A Review of the T-Stub Components for the Analysis of Bolted Moment Joints

“…In 2020 as well, Zhu and Wu [51] published a study about T-stub connections with inserted plates, which allow the T-stub flange to yield under tensile or compression loads (see Figure 23). i.e., these plates enhance the dissipation of energy.…”