Numerical Characterization of Innovative Demountable Beam-Column Connections Using Long Bolts

Abstract

Circular design strategies such as adaptivity, detachability, and reusability represent new challenges and increased demands on the future-proof buildings sector. To contribute to the circularity and sustainability of the steel construction sector, an innovative solution of beam-to-column moment-resisting joints with long bolts and short steel elements (links) is proposed, enabling an extension in the service length of existing steel members. This paper assesses the influencing connection parameters (e.g. bolt preload, bolt length and diameter, end plate thickness, link length) on the moment (flexural) resistance, stiffness, rotation, ductility, and failure modes of base configurations of these joints. To explore the effect of long bolt features on moment-rotation (M-ϕ) characteristics under static loading conditions, the finite element (FE) analysis is carried out using Abaqus SIMULIA software. FE models are first calibrated and validated against the experimental results reported in the literature for moment-resisting welded joints and joints with conventional bolts. Subsequently, the numerical models are used to numerically characterize the non-linear structural behavior of the aforementioned innovative connections. The numerical results are compared and critically assessed against the actual design code methods for steel joints, prescribed in EN 1993-1-8:2005 and forthcoming prEN 1993-1-8:2023, and using the same component method philosophy, the behavior of these innovative joints is characterized.