Research On Nonlinear Behavior Of T-stub Semi-rigid Connections

T-stub connection,one of the semi-rigid connections that widely used in steel beam-to-column connections, is favored in domestic and international engineering. There are relatively more components and when loaded, it showed a clear non-linear behavior, the form of force and deformation is complex. Currently, there is no specification for the design of the connection, the research on the connection is also not extensive and in-depth.In this paper, the nonlinear behavior of T-stub semi-rigid connection was analyzed by three-dimension nonlinear finite element program. Compared with the experimental result, the two results were dovetailed nicely with each other. Detailed study of the deformation and mechanical behavior was carried out. Through analyzing 13 series of total 32 T-stub connection samples by finite element and discussing the effects of those parameters to connection behaviors, it comes to the conclusion that T-stub connection is semi-rigid and its plastic deformability is good; the thickness of T-stub flange, the column section size and the height of beam section has great influence on connection behaviors; given that capacity requirements is satisfied, the thickness of T-stub web and the diameter of high-strength bolt has less influence on the connection behaviors; arranged to meet the installation requirements in the space, the high-strength bolt has small influence on the connection behaviors; transverse stiffeners in the web of the column can improve the deformation capability of the connection. Based on the result of finite element analysis, the theoretical calculation methods of bearing capacity and initial stiffness to the T-stub connection were established, and to compare the result with experimental and finite element calculation result, the reliability of the formula was verified and some suggestions on the design of T-stub semi-rigid connection were given.