Experiment and Finite-element-method Analysis of Steel Frame Joints Transferring Forces Outside Box Columns

Abstract

Based on experimental results of two steel frame joints transferring forces outside box columns and two simple joints without inner diaphragms, by widely used finite-element-method program ANSYS, these two types of steel frame joints and traditional joints with inner diaphragms were modeled in this paper. By comparing their load-displacement curves, distributions of Von-Mises stresses and stresses path, effectiveness of the adding force-transforming plates was proofed. The carrying capacities of joints transferring forces outside box columns by adding force-transforming plates are much greater than those of joints without inner diaphragms, and are close to those of traditional joints. The adding force-transforming plates can effectively reduce the stresses of panel zone and change the way of transmitting stresses, and the brittle fracture near the butt weld with high stresses can be avoided.