Advertisement

International Journal of Steel Structures

, Volume 19, Issue 1, pp 131–146 | Cite as

Pinching in Steel Rack Joints: Numerical Modelling and Effects on Structural Response

  • Federico GusellaEmail author
  • Maurizio Orlando
  • Paolo Spinelli
Article
First Online:

Abstract

The structural behaviour of beam-to-column joints plays a key role in the seismic response of frame structures. Regarding to steel storage pallet racks, experimental tests have highlighted that the hysteresis loop of their joints is characterized by the pinching, with the consequence of a reduction of the dissipated hysteretic energy and load carrying capacity. In this paper the authors propose a simplified numerical pinching model capable to simulate the mechanical response of beam-to-column joints under cyclic loads. To develop and check this model, several comparisons are performed with both literature data and experimental results of laboratory tests. The proposed model is characterised by three links placed in parallel: two “composed links” describe the non-linear bending moment-rotation curve of the joint, and a linear elastic link transfers the axial and shear force from the beam to the column. The model is appropriate for predicting the down-aisle seismic response of rack systems and it can be easily implemented in commercial software packages, commonly used for non-linear seismic vulnerability analyses. Moreover, features of the model can be estimated from a few structural data and it does not require to perform expensive cyclic experimental tests. For a deeper understanding of the effects of pinching in the seismic response and to highlight the potentiality of the proposed model a case-study example is also considered. The case-study concerns a rack system, whose beam-to-column joints are modelled using two numerical approaches which differ in the deterioration of the rotational stiffness of joints. Non-linear dynamic analyses, with simulated ground acceleration time-histories, have been carried.

Keywords

Beam-to-column joints F.E. numerical models Steel rack systems Seismic vulnerability analysis Pinching effects 
This is a preview of subscription content, log in to check access.

Notes

Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge the Italian Rack Manufacturing Company ROSSS SpA, Scarperia and San Piero, Florence (IT), especially the President Stefano Bettini and Engineer Giovanni Lavacchini, for supporting this research work and kindly supplying specimens and hosting the experimental setup. Moreover, the authors greatly appreciate the skillful work of Mr. S. Giordano, Mr. F. Bruni and Mr. E. Barlacchi of the SMTL of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering of Florence for their assistance in the experimental work.

References

  1. Abdel-Jaber, M., Beale, R. G., & Godley, M. H. R. (2005). Numerical study on semi-rigid racking frames under sway. Computers & Structures, 83, 2463–2475.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  2. Aguirre, C. (2005). Seismic behavior of rack structures. Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 61, 607–624.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  3. Alath, S., & Kunnath, S. K. (1995). Modeling inelastic shear deformation in RC beam-column joints. In Proceedings of tenth conference on engineering mechanics (pp. 822–825). Boulder: University of Colorado.Google Scholar
  4. André, F., Bachman, R. E., & Mahoney, M. G. (2006). Performance-based seismic design of pallet-type steel storage racks. Earthquake Spectra, 22(1), 47–64.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  5. ATC-24. (1992). Guidelines for cyclic seismic testing of components of steel structures for buildings. Report No. ATC-24, Applied Technology Council, Redwood City, CA.Google Scholar
  6. Bajoria, K. M., & Talikoti, R. S. (2016). Determination of flexibility of beam-to-column connectors used in thin walled cold-formed steel pallet racking systems. Thin-Walled Structures, 44, 372–380.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  7. Baldassino, N., & Bernuzzi, C. (2000). Analysis and behaviour of steel storage pallet racks. Thin-Walled Structures, 37, 277–304.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  8. Bernuzzi, C., & Castiglioni, C. A. (2001). Experimental analysis on the cyclic behavior of beam-to-column joints in steel storage pallet racks. Thin-Walled Structures, 39, 841–859.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  9. Bernuzzi, C., Chesi, C., & Parisi, M. A. (2004). Seismic behaviour and design of steel storage racks. In 13th World Conference on Earthquake Engineering. Vancouver, B.C., Canada 1-6, Paper No. 481.Google Scholar
  10. Bernuzzi, C., & Simoncelli, M. (2016). An advanced design procedure for the safe use of steel storage pallet racks in seismic zones. Thin-Walled Structures, 109, 73–87.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  11. Bertocci, L., Comparini, D., Lavacchini, G., Orlando, M., Salvatori, L., & Spinelli. P. (2017). Experimental, numerical, and regulatory P-Mx-My domains for cold-formed perforated steel uprights of pallet-racks. Thin-Walled Structures, 119, 151–165. ISSN:0263-8231.Google Scholar
  12. Birely, A. C., Lowes, L. N., & Lehman, D. E. (2012). A model for the practical nonlinear analysis of reinforced-concrete frames including joint flexibility. Engineering Structures, 34, 455–465.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  13. Borghini, A., Gusella, F., & Vignoli, A. (2017). Seismic vulnerability of existing R.C. buildings: A simplified numerical model to analyse the influence of the beam-column joints collapse. Engineering Structures, 121, 19–29.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  14. Brambilla, G., et al. (2015). Seisracks2: Progetto di ricerca EU-RECCS Reasearch Project, Comportamento sismico di scaffalature metalliche porta pallet. Costruzioni Metalliche.Google Scholar
  15. Castiglioni, C. A., Kanyilmaz, A., Angeretti, M., Brambilla, G., Chiarelli, G. P., & Bernuzzi, C. (2014). Experimental results of full scale pushover tests of project SEISRACK2 (seismic behaviour of steel storage pallet racking systems). In Proceedings of 2nd European Conference on Earthquake Engineering, Istanbul 25–29.Google Scholar
  16. Díaz, C., Martí, P., Victoria, M., & Querin, O. M. (2011). Review on the modelling of joint behaviour in steel frames. Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 67, 741–758.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  17. Dowell, R. K., Seible, F., & Wlson, E. L. (1998). Pivot hysteresis model for reinforced concrete members. ACI Structural Journal, 95, 607–617.Google Scholar
  18. El-Metwally, S., & Chen, W. F. (1988). Moment–rotation modeling of reinforced concrete beam–column connections. ACI Structural Journal, 85(4), 384–394.Google Scholar
  19. EN 15512. (2009). Steel static storage systems—Adjustable pallet racking systems—Principles for structural design. CEN European Committee for Standardization; 137.Google Scholar
  20. EN16681. (2013). Steel static storage systems—Adjustable pallet racking system—Principle for seismic design. CEN European Committee for Standardization.Google Scholar
  21. EN 1993-1-1, Eurocode 3. (2005). Design of steel structures—Part 1-1: General rules and rules for buildings.Google Scholar
  22. EN 1993-1-8, Eurocode 3. (2005). Design of steel structures—Part 1-8: Design of joints.Google Scholar
  23. EN 1998-1-1, Eurocode 8. (2004). Design of structures for earthquake resistance—Part 1: General rules, seismic actions and rules for buildings.Google Scholar
  24. Faella, C., Piluso, V., & Rizzano, G. (2000). Structural semi-rigid connections—Theory, design and software. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.Google Scholar
  25. FEM 10.2.02. (2001). The design of static steel pallet racks. Federation Europeen de la Manutention, Vers. 1.02.Google Scholar
  26. FEM 10.2.08. (2011). Recommendations for the design of static steel storage pallet racks in seismic conditions. Federation Européenne de Manutention, Vers. 1.00.Google Scholar
  27. Gelfi, P. (2012). SIMQKE_GR developed by P. Gelfi. Version 2.7–9th.Google Scholar
  28. Ghobarah, A., & Biddah, A. (1999). Dynamic analysis of reinforced concrete frames including joint shear deformation. Engineering Structures, 21(11), 971–987.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  29. Giordano, S., Gusella, F., Lavacchini, G., Orlando, M., & Spinelli, P. (2017). Experimental tests on beam-end connectors of cold-formed steel storage pallet racks. In Proc. 8th European Conference on Steel and Composite Structures, Eurosteel 2017, Copenhagen.Google Scholar
  30. Gusella, F., Lavacchini, G., & Orlando, M. (2018a). Monotonic and cyclic tests on beam-column joints of industrial pallet racks. Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 140, 92–107.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  31. Gusella, F., Orlando, M., Vignoli, A., & Thiele, K. (2018b). Flexural capacity of steel rack connections via the component method. The Open Construction and Building Technology Journal, 12, 3–16.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  32. Haque, A. B. M. R., & Alam, M. S. (2015). Preliminary investigation on the over-strength and force reduction factors for industrial racks clad buildings. In Proceedings of the 11th Canadian Conference on Earthquake Engineering.Google Scholar
  33. Jaspart, J. P. (2000). General report: session on connections. Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 55, 69–89.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  34. Kim, J. H., Ghaboussi, J., & Elnashai, A. S. (2010). Hybrid mathematical-informational modeling of beam-to-column connections. Report No. 10-02. Mid-America Eartquake Center, April 2010.Google Scholar
  35. Krawinkler, H. (2009). Loading histories for cyclic tests in support of performance assessment of structural components. In Proceedings of 3rd international conference on advances in experimental structural engineering, San Francisco.Google Scholar
  36. Lima, L. R. O., Silva, L. S., Vellasco, P. C. G., & Andrade, S. A. L. (2004). Experimental evaluation of extended endplate beam-to-column joints subjected to bending and axial force. Engineering Structures, 26(10), 1333–1347.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  37. Markazi, F. D., Beale, R. G., & Godley, M. H. R. (1997). Experimental analysis of semi-rigid boltless connectors. Thin-Walled Structures, 28, 57–87.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  38. Markazi, F. D., Beale, R. G., & Godley, M. H. R. (2001). Numerical modelling of semi-rigid boltless connectors. Computers & Structures, 79, 2391–2402.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  39. McKenna, F., Fenves, G. L., Jeremic, B., & Scott, M. H. (2000). Open system for earthquake engineering simulation. http://opensees.berkely.edu.
  40. Mitra N. (2012). Pinching4 model (OpenSees User Documetation). http://opensees.berkeley.edu/wiki/index.php/Pinching4_Material.
  41. Moen, C. D., Tao, F., & Cole, R. (2016). Monotonic and cyclic backbone response of single shear cold-formed steel screw-fastened connections. In Proceedings of the international colloquium on stability and ductility of steel structures, SDSS2016, Timisoara, Romania.Google Scholar
  42. NTC 2008, Ministero delle Infrastrutture. (2008). DM 14 gennaio 2008. Norme Tecniche per le Costruzioni.Google Scholar
  43. Orlando, M., Lavacchini, G., Ortolani, B., & Spinelli, P. (2017). Experimental capacity of perforated cold-formed steel open sections under compression and bending. Journal of Steel and Composite Structures, 24, 201–211. ISSN:1229-9367.Google Scholar
  44. Peterman, K. D., Nakata, N., & Schafer, B. W. (2014). Hysteretic characterization of cold-formed steel stud-to-sheathing connections. Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 101, 254–264.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  45. Peterman, K. D., Stehman, M. J. J., Madsen, R. L., Buonopane, S. G., Nakata, N., & Schafer, B. W. (2016). Experimental seismic response of a full-scale cold-formed steel-framed building. I: System-level response. Journal of Structural Engineering, 142(12), 04016127.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  46. Prabha, P., Marimuthu, V., Saravanan, M., & Arul Jayachandran, S. (2010). Evaluation of connection flexibility in cold formed steel racks. Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 66, 863–872.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  47. Rodgers, J. E., & Mahin, S. A. (2011). Effects of connection deformation softening on behavior of steel moment frames subjected to earthquakes. International Journal of Steel Structures, 11(1), 29–37.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  48. Rosin, I., Calado, L., Proença, J., Carydis, P., Mouzakis, H., Castiglioni, C., et al. (2009). Storage racks in seismic areas. Final report. Research Fund for Coal and Steel, European Commission.Google Scholar
  49. SAP 2000. (2016). CSI Analysis Reference Manual for SAP 2000. Berkeley, CA: Computers and Structures Inc.Google Scholar
  50. Saws Model. (OpenSees User Documentation). 2010. http://opensees.berkeley.edu/wiki/index.php/SAWS_Material.
  51. Shah, S. N. R., Ramli Sulong, N. H., Khan, R., Jumaat, M. Z., & Shariati, M. (2016). Behavior of Industrial Steel Rack Connections. Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, 70–71, 72–740.Google Scholar
  52. Shen, Y. L., Schneider, J., Tesfamariam, S., Stiemer, S. F., & Mu, Z. G. (2013). Hysteresis behavior of bracket connection in cross-laminated-timber shear walls. Construction and Building Materials, 48, 980–991.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  53. Silva, L. S., Lima, L. R. O., Vellasco, P. C. G., & Andrade, S. A. L. (2004). Behaviour of flush end-plate beam-to-column joints under bending and axial force. Steel and Composite Structures, 4(2), 77–94.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  54. Silva, L. S., Santiago, A., & Real, P. V. (2002). Post-limit stiffness and ductility of end-plate beam-to-column steel joints. Computers & Structures, 80, 515–531.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  55. Ślęczka, L., & Kozłowski, A. (2007). Experimental and theoretical investigations of pallet racks connections. Advanced Steel Construction, 3(2), 607–627.Google Scholar
  56. Takeda, T., Sozen, M. A., & Nielsen, N. N. (1970). Reinforced concrete response to simulated earthquakes. Journal, Structural Division, ASCE, 96(ST12), 2557–2573.Google Scholar
  57. Tao, F., Cole, R., & Moen, C. D. (2016). Monotonic and cyclic backbone response of single shear sheathing-to-cold-formed steel screw-fastened connections. In Wei-Wen Yu International Specialty Conference on Cold-Formed Steel Structures 2016—Recent Research and Developments in Cold-Formed Steel Design and Construction, Baltimore, Maryland.Google Scholar
  58. Tilburgs, I. K. (2013). Those peculiar structures in cold formed steel: “Racking and shelving”. Steel Construction, 6(2), 95–106.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  59. Tsai, K. C., Shiun, Wu, & Popov, E. P. (1995). Cyclic performance of steel beam-column moment joints. Engineering Structures, 8, 596–602.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  60. Yin, L., Tang, G., Zhang, M., Wang, B., & Feng, B. (2016). Monotonic and cyclic response of speed-lock connections with bolts in storage racks. Engineering Structures, 116, 40–55.CrossRefGoogle Scholar

Copyright information

© Korean Society of Steel Construction 2018

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Department of Civil and Environmental EngineeringUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly

Personalised recommendations

Cite article

Buy options