One-sided Steel Shear Connections in Column Removal Scenario

• Author / Creator

  Daneshvar, Hossein

• There are many design methodologies and philosophies intended to provide structural
  integrity or increase structural robustness, thereby making structures resistant to
  progressive collapse. However, there is little information that reveals sources and
  levels of inherent robustness in structural steel members and systems. The present
  study seeks to begin the process of behaviour evaluation of components and
  assemblages initially designed for other purposes than progressive collapse, such as
  gravity loads, and make recommendations regarding their performance and possible
  methods for improvements for the new scenario. These recommendations can lead to
  more economical design and safer structural steel systems in the event of localised
  damage that has the potential to spread to a disproportionately large part of the
  structure.
  Connections play a major role in ensuring general integrity of different types of steel
  structural systems. Hence, numerical investigations have been performed to extend
  the current body of knowledge on connections and, consequently, the structural
  response in the event of progressive collapse. This study is intended to examine the
  response of steel frames with simple shear connections in the aftermath of unusual
  and extreme localized loads. The main goal of this research is to evaluate the
  behaviour of some prevalent and economical one-sided (i.e., connected only on one
  side of the supported beam web) shear connection types—shear tab, tee (WT), and
  single angle—in buildings, and perform numerical analyses on those connection
  configurations under extreme loading scenarios represented generically by the socalled
  “column removal scenario”. Characteristic features of the connection response,
  such as the potential to develop a reliable alternative path load through catenary
  action and ultimate rotational capacities, are discussed to provide a solid foundation
  for assessing the performance of buildings with these types of connections.
  Observations regarding the analysis results are synthesized and conclusions are drawn
  with respect to the demands placed on the connections. The results of this research
  project should contribute to a better understanding of the resistance of steel structures
  with one-sided shear connections to progressive collapse.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Steel structures
  • Robustness
  • Column removal scenario
  • Steel shear connections
  • Finite-element-analysis
  • Progressive collapse

• Graduation date

  Fall 2013

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Doctor of Philosophy

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R3QM2B

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.