Modeling of moment connections for structural fire analyses

Published

March 25, 2014

Author(s)

Mina S. Seif, Therese P. McAllister, Joseph A. Main, William E. Luecke

Abstract

Performance-based methodologies to evaluate the fire performance of structures are needed to move beyond the prescriptive procedures presently in use, which cannot be used to determine actual structural performance in fire. Analytical methods are needed for simulating the performance of structural systems, including connections, subject to realistic fire effects. Framing connections may be subject to large unanticipated deformations and loads during fire events, and connection failure may lead to other failures or local collapse. This paper presents the development of the detailed finite element models of typical shear and moment connections for steel framed structures. These detailed models incorporate temperature-dependent material models that have been calibrated against available test data from tensile coupons, including the modeling of necking behavior and fracture. The detailed connection models are loaded to failure to identify the applicable failure mechanisms. Connection performance at ambient and elevated temperatures is evaluated, and dominant failure modes are identified.

Proceedings Title

Proceedings of the Annual Stability Conference

Conference Dates

March 25-28, 2014

Conference Location

Toronto

Pub Type

Conferences

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Citation

Seif, M. , McAllister, T. , Main, J. and Luecke, W. (2014), Modeling of moment connections for structural fire analyses, Proceedings of the Annual Stability Conference, Toronto, -1, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=915309 (Accessed October 15, 2025)