%0 Journal Article
%T Design and Analytical Evaluation of a New Self-Centering Connection with Bolted T-Stub Devices
%A Mahbobeh Mirzaie Aliabadi
%A Mohammad Reza Bahaari
%A Shahabeddin Torabian
%J Advances in Materials Science and Engineering
%D 2013
%I Hindawi Publishing Corporation
%R 10.1155/2013/163021
%X A new posttensioned T-stub connection (PTTC) for earthquake resistant steel moment resisting frames (MRFs) is introduced. The proposed connection consists of high strength posttensioned (PT) strands and bolted T-stubs. The post-tensioning strands run through the column and are anchored against the flange of the exterior column. The T-stubs, providing energy dissipation, are bolted to the flange of beam and column and no field welding is required. The strands compress the T-stub against the column flange to develop the resisting moment to service loads and to provide a restoring force that returns the structure to its initial position following an earthquake. An analytical model based on fiber elements is developed in OpenSees to model PTTCs. The analytical model can predict the expected behavior of the new proposed connection under cyclic loading. PTTC provides similar characteristic behavior of the posttensioned connections. Both theoretical behavior and design methods are proposed, and the design methods are verified based on parametric studies and comparison to analytical results. The parametric studies prove the desired self-centering behavior of PTTC and show that this connection can reduce or eliminate the plastic rotation by its self-centering behavior as well as providing required strength and stiffness under large earthquake rotations. 1. Introduction Post-tensioned energy dissipation (PTED) beam-to-column connections are newly proposed to be utilized as an alternative to welded connections in rigid moment frames (MRFs). They can provide required ductility and stable cyclic behavior under severe earthquakes. PTEDs main characteristics are the self-centering behavior and explicit energy dissipation capability. Self-centering addresses a rebounding capability that minimizes the residual deformations in the connection that finally results in minimal residual drift in the structure. Most of inelastic deformations and energy dissipation happens in energy dissipater (ED) devices, and the main structural elements such as beams and columns are supposed to remain elastic. EDs could be replaced in some cases after a major earthquake to make the structure ready for the next earthquake events. Ricles et al. [1, 2] developed a£¿£¿self-centering beam-to-column connection system in which the PT system is based on a series of high resistance steel strands running parallel to the beams whereas the ED system is composed of bolted steel top-and-seat angles. The dissipative mechanism is based on the formation of plastic hinges in each angle. The experimental results
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/amse/2013/163021/