Modeling and Analysis of Single-Plate Shear Connections Under Column Loss

Published

May 8, 2013

Author(s)

Joseph A. Main, Fahim Sadek

Abstract

This paper presents a computational assessment of the behavior of single-plate shear (“shear tab”) connections in gravity frames under column loss scenarios. Two-span beam assemblies are considered under pushdown loading of the unsupported center column. Both detailed and reduced modeling approaches are used in the computational assessment, and comparisons with experimental data are presented to establish confidence in the models. Reduced models are used to investigate the influence of factors such as span length, connection strength, and the mode of connection failure on the collapse resistance of gravity framing systems. Simple equations for the rotational capacities of the connections are derived as functions of a few parameters including the span length and the connection depth, and these equations yield good agreement with computed rotational capacities of connections. The results indicate that the rotational capacities of single-plate shear connections under column loss scenarios are significantly less than those based on seismic test data.

Citation

Journal of Structural Engineering-ASCE

Pub Type

Journals

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ST.1943-541X.0000866

Keywords

Buildings, Connections, Finite element method, Nonlinear analysis, Progressive collapse, Steel structures

Citation

Main, J. and Sadek, F. (2013), Modeling and Analysis of Single-Plate Shear Connections Under Column Loss, Journal of Structural Engineering-ASCE, [online], https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ST.1943-541X.0000866 (Accessed October 11, 2025)