Simulation performance of low damage base connection on Abaqus

Abstract

Current design codes can provide life safety performance level based on observations from recent earthquakes. However, buildings experience some damage that could be very costly to recover. Low damage control systems have been developed in recent years to minimize damage in severe earthquakes. The aim of this study is to improve the understanding of the performance of low damage steel structures especially in regard to column base connections and the friction connection with Grade 8.8 bolts. The study involves numerical analysis to assess the stress distribution, displacement, deformation and reaction forces by simulation on Abaqus Finite Element software. Outcomes include an increased understanding for low damage base connection. To reach this objective the base connection with low damage mechanism simulated using Abaqus software is compared with the results from welded base connection. It was observed that on low damage base connections, the stress distribution and yielding on main elements of structure (such as column) changed completely. This mechanism prevents any failure on column on connection with base plate and failure transferred to bolts and connection’s plates. Thus, bolts and connection’s plates can be replaced after damage.