Abstract
This paper investigates the mechanical performance of beam-to-column connections for steel-framed building modules with RHS and SHS sections of relatively small member sizes. In the experimental program, three forms of connections are tested under static bending, including a completely welded connection (W), a bolted end plate connection (EP) and the proposed end plate–stiffener connection (ST), and the failure modes, moment–rotation behaviours and strain responses were recorded during experiments. Results show that ST connection exhibited superior connection strength, stiffness and ductility compared with the EP connection. In addition, a detailed finite element analysis was conducted to model the connection behaviours, considering bolt pretension, contact behaviours and detailed bolt geometry, showing good comparison with experiments. Furthermore, a parametric study was performed on the end plate thickness and stiffener thickness for the proposed end plate–stiffener connection. Such results finally enable a comparative study to investigate the performance of module during road transportation, highlighting the effects of connection stiffness.
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Acknowledgements
The authors would like to acknowledge the financial support of the industry partners of the Modular Construction Codes Board and the State Government of Victoria through the Manufacturing Productivity Networks program; and the technical support from Mr. Goh Hoo for his experience in the analysis of module transport; and assistance from Mr. Long Goh, Mr. Philip Warner and Mr. Mark Taylor in the Civil Engineering Laboratory of Monash University.
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Luo, F.J., Ding, C., Styles, A. et al. End Plate–Stiffener Connection for SHS Column and RHS Beam in Steel-Framed Building Modules. Int J Steel Struct 19, 1353–1365 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13296-019-00214-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13296-019-00214-6