Semi-continous beam-to-column joints for slim-floor systems in seismic zones

[EN] The slim-floor building system is attractive to constructors and architects due to the integration of steel beam in the overall height of the floor, which leads to additional floor-to-floor space, used mostly in acquiring additional storeys. The concrete slab offers natural fire protection for steel beams, while the use of novel corrugated steel sheeting reduces the concrete volume, and replaces the secondary beams (for usual spans of steel structures). Currently the slim-floor solutions are applied in non-seismic regions, and there are few studies that consider continuous or semi-continuous fixing of slim-floor beams. The present study was performed with the aim to develop reliable end-plate bolted connections for slim-floor beams, capable of being applicable to buildings located in areas with seismic hazard. It is based on numerical finite element analysis, developed in two stages. In a first stage, a finite element numerical model was calibrated based on a four point bending test of a slim-floor beam. Further, a case study was analysed for the investigation of beam-to-column joints with moment resisting connections between slim-floor beams and columns. The response was investigated considering both sagging and hogging bending moment. The results are analysed in terms of moment-rotation curve characteristics and failure mechanism.Vulcu, C.; Don, R.; Ciutina, A. (2018). Semi-continous beam-to-column joints for slim-floor systems in seismic zones. En Proceedings of the 12th International Conference on Advances in Steel-Concrete Composite Structures. ASCCS 2018. Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. 587-594. https://doi.org/10.4995/ASCCS2018.2018.7199OCS58759

Numerical analysis of short link steel eccentrically braced frames under seismic action

Eccentrically braced frames are well known for their capacity of dissipating seismic energy by plastic hinge formation in the so called ‘link elements’, which represent the dissipative devices of the eccentrically braced frame. The link element can be short, which means it will be mainly subjected to shear forces; long being mainly subjected to bending moment or intermediate in length subjected to a combined action of shear force-bending moment. The current study is focused on the calibration of existing experimental results with numerical finite element models of steel eccentrically braced frames with short link elements and a subsequent parametrical study considering different link lengths and multiple stiffeners along the link web panel

Development new push test Eurocode 4

The standard push test specimen in the current version of Eurocode 4 does not provide any information on what modifications should be made when profiled steel sheeting is introduced. Whilst the lack of information was intended to encourage innovation, this has sometimes lead to test results implying that stud connectors possess a lower resistance and ductility than assumed in current Standards. From full-scale beam and companion push tests in Europe, it has been shown that modifying the push test through the introduction of a normal force to the face of the test slabs provides comparable load-slip performance to that encountered within a beam. Within the work programme for developing the second generation of Eurocodes, this paper presents part of the background to Sub-task 1 of SC4.T3, whose aim is to develop an improved push test for Eurocode 4 when stud connectors are welded within profiled steel sheeting

Development of a new push test for Eurocode 4

The standard push test specimen in the current version of Eurocode 4 does not provide any information on what modifications should be made when profiled steel sheeting is introduced. Whilst the lack of information was intended to encourage innovation, this has sometimes lead to test results implying that stud connectors possess a lower resistance and ductility than assumed in current Standards. From full-scale beam and companion push tests in Europe, it has been shown that modifying the push test through the introduction of a normal force to the face of the test slabs provides comparable load-slip performance to that encountered within a beam. Within the work programme for developing the second generation of Eurocodes, this paper presents part of the background to Sub-task 1 of SC4.T3, whose aim is to develop an improved push test for Eurocode 4 when stud connectors are welded within profiled steel sheeting

Life-cycle assessment of a steel framed family house

Steel framed houses have become a choice in many European countries, including Romania. One of the issues raised in case of the new systems concerns the environmental impact. The study presents the practical aspects related to the environmental impact analysis of a dwelling made with light-steel structural elements, focusing on the impact of the maintenance process. Several aspects are presented in turn, in order to underline the impact for different stages during life-cycle: a) construction stage only; b) construction stage and final disposal of materials; c) construction stage, disposal and maintenance

Heat transfer vs environmental impact of modern façade systems

The paper makes an in-sight analysis of four actual steel-intensive envelope solutions existing on the market adaptable to steel structural systems. The solutions enable flexible modular construction, fast fabrication and erection times and easy disassembling. The analyses consider the heat transfer analysis including phase shift, amplitude attenuation and temperature amplitude ratio and the energy balance analysis. Considering the sustainability approach, the study is completed by an environmental impact analysis on Life-Cycle, by considering the production and end-of life stages. Although the selected systems from similar thermal resistances, the results show a certain variation of analysed parameters such as amplitude attenuation and temperature amplitude ratio (TAV). The energy balance analysis shows that the heating, solar gain and hot water preparation are responsible for the supplied energy. The emitted house energy break-down is almost equally shared among transmission, ventilation and sewage energies. The Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) analysis proves that the end-of-life of the systems play an important role in the environmental impact of analysed systems, reversing the initial ranking of systems