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）资助的。该桥梁奖的研究目标是开发新的连接细节，利用中空结构截面（HSS）梁和柱构件的优越压缩、弯曲和扭转性能，用于高地震活动性地区的中低层钢框架。HSS梁构件在弯曲下的行为将通过全面的实验研究来探索，以确定塑性铰形成的极限参数。这些测试的数据将为详细的模型提供基础，这些模型可以准确地捕获弯曲作用下的整体和局部行为，并为确定合适的连接配置和设计细节提供一种方法。这些模型的进一步完善将通过集中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，比较了采用HSS连接的框架体系与采用常规连接的框架体系的地震响应。对HSS弯矩连接的进一步数值研究将考虑使用创新的补充耗能材料来进一步提高其抗震性能。如果取得成功，本研究结果将为利用HSS构件设计具有弹性和鲁棒性的低至中高矩框架结构提供知识基础。对HSS构件的整体弯曲、局部和焊接行为的进一步了解将直接使钢铁设计团体受益，并有助于提高高地震活动性地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为扩大代表性不足的学生的参与提供了独特的环境。从分析建模到大规模结构测试，K-12的推广项目和大学层面上未被充分代表的群体的参与将成为催化剂，促进未被充分代表的群体在数学、科学和工程领域的持续参与和兴趣。

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.