Fracture prediction for square hollow section braces under extremely low cycle fatigue
Author(s)
Xu, Fei
Pan, Wen-Hao
Chan, Tak-Ming
Sheehan, Therese
Gardner, Leroy
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Abstract: This paper examines the extremely low cycle fatigue (ELCF) fracture of concentrically loaded square hollow section (SHS) braces subjected to cyclic loading. Numerical analyses are presented for both individual bracing members and bracing members integrated into concentrically braced frames (CBFs). The behaviour of the individual members was predicted using solid finite element (FE) simulations that employed a ductile fracture model and a nonlinear damage evolution rule. The solid FE model, which was validated using data from experiments, could adequately predict both the hysteretic response and the ELCF fracture cracking process. The coupled effects of instabilities (i.e. local and global buckling) and fracture on the ELCF performance of the braces were assessed, and the rotation capacity prior to fracture was quantified. This quantified rotation capacity was then incorporated into fibre-based FE models of CBFs as a member-level fracture criterion. The structure-level simulations were able to accurately capture the complex interactions between the frame components, i.e. the columns, beams, brace-gusset-plate connections and beam-to-column connections, and hence replicate the overall behaviour of CBFs, specifically, two-storey chevron braced frames. The influence of cross-section and member slenderness was evaluated and the importance of considering both in the development of cross-section slenderness limits was highlighted. The combined member- and structure-level simulation approach is proposed as an accurate and efficient means of assessing the seismic performance of CBFs.
Date Issued
2022-02-01
Date Acceptance
2021-11-18
Citation
Thin Walled Structures, 2022, 171
ISSN
0263-8231
Publisher
Elsevier
Journal / Book Title
Thin Walled Structures
Volume
171
Copyright Statement
© Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. This manuscript is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International Licence http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
Identifier
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0263823121007291
Subjects
Science & Technology
Technology
Engineering, Civil
Engineering, Mechanical
Mechanics
Engineering
Braces
Square hollow sections
Extremely low cycle fatigue
Fracture prediction
Numerical study
Concentrically braced frames
Fibre-based finite element model
Seismic
Earthquake resistance
DUCTILE FRACTURE
STRENGTH ENHANCEMENTS
SEISMIC RESPONSE
STEEL
SHEAR
DESIGN
MODEL
PLASTICITY
BEHAVIOR
CONNECTIONS
Civil Engineering
0901 Aerospace Engineering
0905 Civil Engineering
0913 Mechanical Engineering
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
ARTN 108716
Date Publish Online
2021-12-23