Cast steel connector for tubular braces in seismic building applications.
Published: 2006
Language: eng
Number of pages: 218
ISBN-13: 9780494210482
Description: This thesis presents a study on the feasibility of using cast steel elements to connect hollow structural sections (HSS) to gusset plates in steel braced frames. The development of a novel cast steel connector complying with Canadian design provisions and optimized using finite element analysis is presented. The proposed connector is introduced as an alternative to the weld-fabricated reinforced HSS connections that are currently used in earthquake resistant braced frames. Results from static and pseudo-dynamic tests of brace-connector assemblies are presented and compared to predictions by finite element analyses. Laboratory testing demonstrated that the use of cast steel connectors can eliminate the shear-lag effects associated with many HSS connection details. Further, as the connector designed herein was crafted to fit a range of HSS members and can be mass produced, the proposed solution may be an economically viable alternative to conventional weld-fabricated connections.
Notes: Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 45-03, page: 1575.

Thesis (M.A.Sc.)--University of Toronto, 2006.

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