Abstract

This thesis presents the development and evaluation of a new special steel moment frame connection that employs replaceable buckling-restrained fuse plates that can enhance seismic performance and post-earthquake repairability. A total of eight unique specimens were tested on two series of beam-to-column subassemblies (W36 and W24) to investigate connection behavior under cyclic loading. The experiments examined the influence of fuse plate geometry, bolt configuration, and buckling-restraints on strength, ductility, and deformation capacity. Results indicated that the buckling-restraint washers and bolts were effective at preventing out-of-plane buckling. Specimen M1.5 was successful in meeting the AISC 341-22 qualifications requirements for special moment frame, achieving the required story drift of 0.04 radians while maintaining 0.8Mp strength utilizing large beam and column sizes (W36). Specimen M2.3 was also successful in meeting these qualification standards, albeit with a smaller beam (W24) and a unique column (HSS20—20—3/4). All other specimens did not meet the special moment frame qualifications in AISC 341-22. In addition to meeting AISC qualifications, key findings are also discussed. These findings include a recommended inelastic deformation ratio of 8% for the design of the fuse plate, a bolt shear resistance factor (Ï•) of 1.0 to ensure preferred bolt slip behavior, and a fuse width-to-thickness ratio between 1 and 2. The experiments also demonstrated an elastic drift of about 0.01 radians and a compression ratio of 1.2. Overall, the research confirms that the proposed design for a buckling-restrained fuse plate special moment frame connection is a practical solution that provides adequate ductility and improves repairability.

Degree

College and Department

Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering; Civil and Environmental Engineering

Rights

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