Seismic behavior of through beam connection to steel box-column

Due to its many advantages, it is highly desirable to use box columns in steel structures. However, despite the numerous advantages box columns offer, it is always difficult to implement the continuity plates inside them at the connection area. Considering this major challenge that faces the implementation of continuity plates inside the box column, researchers have always strived to find a solution either by proposing a way to remove the necessity of using continuity plates or by facilitating their implementation inside the box column. In the present research, use of through beam (TB) connections to box columns has been proposed as a possible solution. In this connection, the beam passes through the box column and the continuity plates inside the box column are removed. In addition, for better performance of the proposed connection, another connection is proposed in which two trapezoidal-shaped rib stiffener plates (TB-S1) are added to the prototype connection. To investigate the seismic behavior of these proposed connections, laboratory and numerical studies are performed on both specimens. Additionally, for better adaptation of the second specimen, TB-S1, with architectural criteria, using through curved rib stiffener plates (TB-S2) is proposed. Finally, the seismic performance of the proposed connections is examined through numerical studies. The findings reveal that there are stable hysteresis loops in the hysteresis diagrams drawn for all of the three specimens. Furthermore, based on the results, the suggested strategies are proven to be appropriate and effective for promoting the performance of the prototype.

Automated summary

Box columns in steel structures offer many advantages, but implementing continuity plates inside them has always been challenging. This research proposes using through beam connections to box columns as a possible solution, which removes the continuity plates and improves the connection performance.