This book presents a general approach to steel connection analysis and check, which is the result of independent research that began more than fifteen years ago. It discusses the problems of connection analysis and describes a generally applicable methodology, based on Finite Element Analysis, for analyzing the connections in steel structures.
First book to discuss the analysis of structural steel connections by Finite Element Analysis—which provides fast, efficient, and flexible checking of these vital structural components
The analysis of steel structures is complex—much more so than the analysis of similar concrete structures. There are no universally accepted rules for the analysis of connections in steel structures or the analysis of the stresses transferred from one connection to another. This book presents a general approach to steel connection analysis and check, which is the result of independent research that began more than fifteen years ago. It discusses the problems of connection analysis and describes a generally applicable methodology, based on Finite Element Analysis, for analyzing the connections in steel structures. That methodology has been implemented in software successfully, providing a fast, automatic, and flexible route to the design and analysis of the connections in steel structures.
Steel Connection Analysis explains several general methods which have been researched and programmed during many years, and that can be used to tackle the problem of connection analysis in a very general way, with a limited and automated computational effort. It also covers several problems related to steel connection analysis automation.
Uses Finite Element Analysis to discuss the analysis of structural steel connections
Analysis is applicable to all connections in steel structures
The methodology is the basis of the commercially successful CSE connection analysis software
Analysis is fast and flexible
Structural engineers, fabricators, software developing firms, university researchers, and advanced students of civil and structural engineering will all benefit from Steel Connection Analysis.
Table Contents
Foreword
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 An unsolved problem
1.2 The limits of traditional approaches
1.3 Some limits of the codes of practice
1.4 Scope of this work
1.5 Automatic modeling and analysis of 3D connections
1.6 Acknowledgements
References
2 JNODES
2.1 The BFEM
2.2 From the BFEM to the member model
2.3 The jnodes
2.4 Jnode analytics
2.5 Equal jnodes detection
2.6 Structural connectivity indices
2.7 Particular issues
2.8 Jclasses
References
3 A MODEL FOR CONNECTION
3.1 Terminology
3.2 Graphs of connections
3.3 Subconstituents vs layouts
3.4 Classification of connections
References
4 RENODES
4.1 From jnode to renode concept
4.2 BREP geometrical description of 3D objects
4.3 The scene
4.4 Dual geometry
4.5 Automatic connection detection
4.6 Elementary operations
4.7 Renode logic and the chains
4.8 Prenodes
4.9 After scene creation
5 THE PILLARS OF CONNECTION ANALYSIS
5.1 Equilibrium
5.2 Action reaction principle
5.3 Statics of connections
5.4 The static theorem of limit analysis
5.5 The unsaid of the engineering simplified methods
5.6 Missing pillars of connection analysis
5.7 Analysis of connections: general path
References
6 CONNECTORS: WELD LAYOUTS
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Considerations about the stiffness matrix of connectors
6.3 Introduction to weld layouts
6.4 Reference systems and stresses for welds
6.5 Geometrical limitations
6.6 Penetration-weld layouts (groove welds)
6.7 Fillet-welds weld layouts
6.8 Mixed penetration and fillet weld layouts
References
7 CONNECTORS: BOLT LAYOUTS AND CONTACT
7.1 Introduction to bolt layouts
7.2 Bolt sizes and classes
7.3 Reference system and stresses for bolt layouts
7.4 Geometrical limitations
7.5 Not preloaded bolt layouts (bearing bolt layouts)
7.6 Preloaded bolt layouts (slip resistant bolt layouts)
7.7 Anchors
7.8 Stiffness matrix of bolt layouts and of single bolts
7.9 Internal force distribution
7.1 Contact
References
8 FAILURE MODES
8.1 Foreword
8.2 The utilization factor concept
8.3 About specifications
8.4 Weld layouts
8.5 Bolt layouts
8.6 Pins
8.7 Members and force-transferrers
References
9 ANALYSIS: HYBRID APPROACH
9.1 Introduction
9.2 Some basic recalls about fem analysis of plated-structures
9.3 The IRFEM
9.4 Connectors checks
9.5 Cleats and members non-fem checks
9.6 Single Constituent Finite Element Models (SCOFEM)
9.7 Multiple Constituents Finite Element Models (MCOFEM)
9.8 A path for hybrid approach
References
10 ANALYSIS: PURE FEM APPROACH
10.1 Losing the sub-connector organization
10.2 Finite Elements for welds
10.4 Loads
10.5 Constraints
10.6 Checking of welds and bolts
10.7 Checking of components
10.8 Stiffness evaluation
10.9 Analysis Strategies
11 CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS
11.1 Conclusions
11.2 Final acknowledgements
11.3 Future developments
References
12 APPENDIX 1: CONVENTIONS AND RECALLS
12.1 Recalls of matrix algebra, notation
12.2 Cross-sections
12.3 Orientation matrix
12.4 Change of reference system
12.5 Pseudocode symbol meaning
13 APPENDIX 2: TANGENT STIFFNESS MATRIX OF FILLET-WELDS
13.1 Tangent stiffness matrix of a weld segment
13.2 Modifications for weld segments using contact
13.3 The tangent stiffness matrix of a weld layout for the instantaneous center of rotation method
14 APPENDIX 3: TANGENT STIFFNESS MATRIX OF BOLTS IN SHEAR
14.1 Tangent stiffness matrix of a bolt
14.2 Tangent stiffness matrix of a bolt layout for the instantaneous center of rotation method
Index