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Modeling of moment connections for structural fire analyses

Published

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 detailed finite element models of typical 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.
Citation
Engineering Journal-American Institute of Steel Construction Inc

Keywords

Plastic strain, fracture, erosion strain, finite element analysis, material modeling, structural fire effects.

Citation

Seif, M. , McAllister, T. , Main, J. and Luecke, W. (2016), Modeling of moment connections for structural fire analyses, Engineering Journal-American Institute of Steel Construction Inc, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=917192 (Accessed April 23, 2024)
Created January 5, 2016, Updated September 20, 2017