BRIGE: Innovative Connection Design for Enhanced Seismic Performance of Low to Mid-Rise Steel Frames

该奖项是根据2009年《美国复苏和再投资法案》(公法111-5)提供资金的。布里奇奖的研究目标是开发新的连接细节，利用空心结构截面(HSS)梁和柱的优越压缩、弯曲和扭转性能，用于高地震活动地区的低到中层钢框架。为确定塑性铰形成的极限参数，将通过足尺试验研究高强钢梁构件的受弯性能。这些测试的数据将为能够准确捕获弯曲下的全局和局部行为的详细模型提供基础，并提供一种确定合适的连接配置和设计细节的方法。这些模型的进一步改进将通过专注于局部屈曲和焊接行为的小规模试验来实现。通过数值分析，将已识别的HSS连接的框架体系的地震反应与采用常规连接的框架体系的地震反应进行比较。对于HSS弯矩节点的进一步数值研究将考虑使用创新的附加耗能材料来进一步提高其抗震性能。如果研究成功，本研究结果将为利用HSS构件设计弹性和稳健的中低层弯矩框架结构提供知识基础。提高对高速钢结构构件的整体弯曲、局部和焊接行为的了解将直接惠及钢结构设计界，并有助于提高高地震区社区的福利和安全。材料、结构和自然灾害之间的相互作用提供了一个独特的背景，可以扩大代表不足的学生的参与。K-12外展计划和大学一级代表性不足的群体参与从分析建模到大规模结构测试的一切活动，将成为促进数学、科学和工程领域代表性不足群体继续参与和感兴趣的催化剂。

This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). The research objective of this BRIGE award is to develop new connection details utilizing the superior compression, bending, and torsion properties of hollow structural section (HSS) beam and column members for low to mid-rise steel frames in areas of high seismicity. The behavior of HSS beam members under bending will be explored through full-scale experimental studies to determine limiting parameters for plastic hinge formation. The data from these tests will provide the basis for detailed models that can accurately capture global and local behavior under bending and provide a means to identify suitable connection configurations and design details. Further refinement of these models will be achieved through small-scale tests focused on local buckling and weld behavior. The seismic response of frame systems with the identified HSS connections will be compared to those with conventional connection detailing through numerical analyses. Additional numerical studies of the HSS moment connections will consider the use of innovative supplemental energy dissipation materials to further enhance their seismic performance.If successful, the results of this research will provide a knowledge base for the design of resilient and robust low to mid-rise moment frame structures utilizing HSS members. The increased understanding of the global bending, local, and weld behavior of HSS members will directly benefit the steel design community and help to enhance the welfare and safety of communities in areas of high seismicity. The interaction between materials, structures, and natural hazards provides a unique context in which to broaden participation of underrepresented students. K-12 outreach programs and involvement of underrepresented groups at the university level in everything from analytical modeling to large-scale structural testing will act as a catalyst to foster continued participation and interest of underrepresented groups in the math, science, and engineering fields.