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Plastic Hinge Modeling of RBS Connections for NL Analysis

  • 1.  Plastic Hinge Modeling of RBS Connections for NL Analysis

    Posted 05-13-2024 10:14 AM

    Following the provisions of AISC 342-22 and referencing ASCE 41-17 where needed, I am trying to develop force-deformation relations for a modern RBS connection properly designed and detailed per AISC 341.  The curve should be Type 1 in AISC 342 Fig. C1.1 (below) or ASCE 41 Fig. 7-4 since the connection has highly ductile behavior.  I have several questions.

    1. The chord rotation at yield determined by AISC 342 Eq. C2-2 does not seem appropriate since the hinge is formed at a non-trivial distance from the column face.  Should I modify the equation by including the shear amplification in the determination of MCE?  For example, MCE = Mpe,RBS + VRBS*Sh?
    2. Following from question #1, should I also include shear amplification when determining the yield strength, Qy?
    3. Looking at charts from cyclic tests on RBS connections, the post-elastic slope seems much steeper than the 0.03 value recommended in AISC 342 Section C2.4a.1.b.  Have there been any studies suggesting a larger value specific for RBS connections?
    4. Neither AISC 342 nor ASCE 41 provide much guidance on determining the slope between Points C and D.  A steep slope (e.g., 10:1) is conservative, but it can cause analysis errors and does not seem reasonable for a connection that exhibits gradual strength degradation behavior.  Is this left entirely to engineering judgment?  Could I justify a 1.5:1 slope for an RBS connection?  How about 1:1 instead?


    #ASCE41
    #Seismic

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    Matthew Bosch-Willett P.E., S.E., M.ASCE
    DIRECTOR OF STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
    Walnut Creek CA
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