Finite Element Parameter Analysis of Static Performance for Stainless-Steel Beam-Column Connections

To study the influence of geometric parameters on flexural capacity and stiffness of beam-column connections using stain-steel S31608 and get the key influence parameters, on the basis of test data, using the finite element analysis software ABAQUS, parameter analysis on three main geometrical parameters of flexural capacity and stiffness of stain-steel beam-column connections was conducted. The analysis results showed that when thickness of steel beam flange of bolted-welded beam-to-column joints in stainless steel structure increased, bearing capacity and initial stiffness of the joints increased with large amplitude; when slipping coefficient increased, bearing capacity and initial stiffness of the joints increased with small amplitude; when weld access hole changed, bearing capacity increased and initial stiffness increased with small amplitude, but could decrease stress concentrate phenomenon; when “Dog-bone” was used, the position of plastic hinge appearance would out-shift, but bearing capacity and initial stiffness decreased with large amplitude. Using the weld access hole of FEMA350 and increasing the flange thickness of I-shaped bars is a good way to improve the static behavior of stain-steel beam-column connections.