Experimental response of top and seat angle semi-rigid.pdf

Materials and Structures/Mat~riaux et Constructions, Vol. 33, October 2000, pp 499-510 Experimental response of top and seat angle semi-rigid steel frame connections L. Calado 1, G. De Matteis 2 and R. Landolfo 3 (1) Dept. of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Instituto Superior Tdcnico, Lisbon, Portugal (2) Dept. of Structural Analysis and Design, University of Naples Federico 1I, Italy (3) D.S.S.A.R., University of Chieti G. DAnnunzio, Italy Paper received:January I7, 2000; Paper accepted: March 20, 2000 A B S T R A C T The current study is concerned with the structural response of typical semi-rigid steel beam-to-column joints. In particular, the behaviour of bolted cleat angle connections is investigated under different loading con- ditions, both monotonic and cyclic loading being con- sidered. Besides, aiming at assessing the susceptibility of the analysed connection typology to low-cycle fatigue, the latter has been referred to both constant and variable amplitude deformations. Therefore, 15 full-scale tests have been carried out by comparing the performance of specimens with reference to three different sizes of col- umn member as well. Obtained results are provided in terms of moment-rotat ion relationship, dissipated energy and strength degradation per cycle. As expected, outcomes show that the main sources of inelastic defor- mation are located into cleat angles, which constitute the most influential component. As a consequence, the col- umn size has a limited effect on the whole hysteretic response of the joint, while results appear to be strongly dependent on the applied deformation history. R E S U M E Dans cet article, on dtudie le comportement structurel dun type de liaisons poutre-poteau semi-rigides. La poutre et le poteau sont lids par des comi~res. Les procd- dures de chargement que lon a suivies incluent plusieurs cas de chargements monotones et cycliques. Pour ddterminer le comportement de ces liaisons a la f