Experimental Testing and Numerical Analysis of T-Shaped Connected Modular Steel Beam–Column Connections under Cyclic Loading

This paper investigates the seismic performance of T-shaped connected modular steel beam-column (TMBC) connections through experimental tests and numerical analysis. A comparative analysis was conducted between the experimental and finite-element models of three different geometric configurations of connections: SPC-1, SPC-2, and SPC-3. The results show that the experimental and numerical results are in good agreement. Subsequently a parametric study corresponding to 17 computational models was conducted to investigate the seismic performance of TMBC connections. The analysis focused on these parameters such as the height–thickness ratio (α) of the replaceable panel zone column (RPZC) flange plate, the height–thickness ratio (β) of the RPZC web, the height–thickness ratio (γ) of the RPZC flange, the width–thickness ratio (δ) of the RPZC stiffener, the width–thickness ratio (ε) of the T-type connector flange plate, the height–thickness ratio (ζ) of the T-type connector web, the width–thickness ratio (η) of the beam flange, and the height–width–thickness ratio (θ) of the beam web. The results indicate that changes in the thickness of the RPZC stiffener and flange plate significantly impact the connection’s stiffness, stress distribution, energy dissipation capacity, and bearing capacity. Finally, a new three-segment moment–rotation formula based on extensive parameter analysis is proposed. The findings of this study provide a theoretical basis for evaluating the seismic performance of such connections and serve as a reference and technical support for their design in practical engineering applications.