DESIGN METHOD THAT TAKES ACCOUNT OF ELASTO-PLASTIC BEHAVIOR AND EFFECTS OF FILLETS OF BEAM-TO-COLUMN CONNECTIONS OF STEEL RIGID-FRAME PIERS

Abstract

 The design method of the beam-to-column connections of steel rigid frame piers is not specified concretely in the Specifications for Highway Bridges and is conventionally in compliance with the design standards of expressway companies. However, as this is an elastic design method that takes into account local stress concentration caused by shear lag, this method can decrease construction workability and economic efficiency by making the beam-to-column connections heavier than the general part of the beams and columns. In addition, it has yet to be proven that this method is applicable in the case of large-scale earthquakes.
 This is the background to our carrying out a series of studies to establish a new method for designing beam-to-column connections by clarifying their load-carrying capacity and elasto-plastic behavior.
 This paper summarizes, further examines and organizes the knowledge acquired through a series of studies and proposes a design method for beam-to-column connections that takes into account their elasto-plastic behavior and the effects of fillets, as well as verifying the applicability and effectiveness thereof through the trial design of an actual structure using this method.