FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF RIB REINFORCED WEAK-AXIS CONNECTION IN STEEL FRAME

In order to discuss the applicability of the rib reinforcement to the traditional weak-axis connections in steel frames, the finite element software ABAQUS was used to conduct a parametric analysis of rib reinforced weak-axis connections in a steel frame under cyclic loading. Analysis results showed that rib reinforced weak-axis connection had a good cyclic performance and could realize moving the plastic hinge to the end of ribs, and thus reducing the possibility of the fracture of beam flange but welds. It is suggested that, the rib length a=l+(0.5~0.6)h_b, the rib height b=0.4 a, and the rib thickness t≥1.5t_bf, l is the length of wedge stiffener, h_b is the height of the beam section, and t_bf is the thickness of beam flange. The proposed parameters are applicable to different beam-column sections, and the design method for rib reinforced weak-axis connections is developed.