Improved design procedures for slotted hidden gap HSS brace connections & I-shape flange connections & the use of electroslag welding for the fabrication of heavy steel structures

拟议的研究旨在改善加拿大热轧钢节点的知识、设计、制造和详细规定的状况，以及它们对构件加载反应的影响。ADF集团和DPhV表示需要三个相关的研究项目：1)开槽暗隙HSS支撑节点，2)电渣焊接节点和组合柱，3)工字形截面螺栓翼缘板连接。第一个项目针对钢支撑框架抗震设计中的情况，其中支撑连接对于提高横向承载体系的非弹性性能至关重要。开槽隐缝HSS支撑连接是一种经济上和结构上都很有吸引力的替代传统HSS支撑连接加固的方法。本项目的目的是通过非线性弹塑性有限元分析、材料试验、连接试验和支撑/连接试验，开发一种全方位的设计方法，详细介绍开槽暗间隙HSS支撑连接的建议。第二个项目涉及使用电渣焊接连接重型构件。目的是研究窄间隙改进的电渣焊在加劲肋和连续板节点以及组合箱形柱角节点的制造中的应用，包括对制造工艺、材料性能和整体结构对荷载响应的影响。研究内容包括焊接工艺开发、材料试验和有限元建模。第三个项目包括研究钢工字形构件整体剪切破坏规定和拉伸翼缘断裂准则设计要求的适用性。目的是研究现行的工字形截面翼缘剪切破坏设计方法的适用性，并评价在工字形杆件端部弯矩连接设计中采用剪切破坏准则和拉伸翼缘断裂准则的适用性。这项研究包括数值分析和实验室测试。

The proposed research is directed towards improving the state of knowledge, design, fabrication & detailing provisions in Canada of hot-rolled steel connections and their influence on member response to loading. The ADF Group & DPHV have expressed the need for three related research projects: 1) Slotted hidden gap HSS brace connections, 2) Electro-slag welded connections & built-up columns, and 3) Bolted flange plate connections of I-shape sections.The 1st project addresses the situation in seismic design of steel braced frames where the brace connections are critical in terms of facilitating inelastic performance of the lateral load carrying system. The slotted hidden gap HSS brace connection is an economically and structurally attractive alternative to traditional connection reinforcements for HSS braces. The objective of this project is to develop an all-encompassing design method & detailing recommendations for the slotted hidden gap HSS brace connection by means of non-linear inelastic finite element analyses, materials testing, connection testing & brace / connection testing.The 2nd project involves the use of electro-slag welding for connecting heavy members. The objectives are to investigate the use of narrow gap improved electro-slag welding for the fabrication of connections with stiffeners & continuity plates and for built-up box column corner joints, including the influence on fabrication procedures, material properties and overall structural response to loading. The research involves weld procedure development, materials testing & finite element modelling. The 3rd project comprises an investigation of the applicability of the block shear failure provision and tension flange fracture criterion design requirement for steel I-shape members. The objective is to investigate the applicability of the current design procedure for block shear failure in the flanges of I-shaped sections, and to evaluate the use of both block shear failure & the tension flange fracture criterion in the design of I-shaped member end moment connections. The research involves both numerical analyses & laboratory testing.