Sensitivity Analysis of Tubular-Web Reduced Beam Section Connections Under Cyclic Loading

Recently a new type of Reduced Beam Section (RBS) connection called “Tubular Web RBS (TW-RBS)” has been numerically and experimentally studied. TW-RBS connections are made by replacing a part of web with a tube or pipe at the desirable location of the beam plastic hinge. This paper aims to numerically investigate the effect of key factors such as position, diameter, and thickness of the tube on the hysteretic behavior of the connection under cyclic load using ABAQUS finite element software. First, a model is used for verification purposes where good correlation with experimental results was achieved. Then, 14 models are defined by varying the key parameters and subjected to cyclic loading. The effects of such factors on the behavior of the connection are investigated in order to find out consequences of probable defects during the implementation of TW-RBS connections or intentional utilizing of other pipes in TW-RBSs. Based on the results, the position of the tube is the most sensitive factor in the behavior of TW-RBS connections and its improper location leads to unreliable design, probable plastic hinge formations in unpredicted regions, and possible failure in the connection zone. On the contrary, diameter and thickness of the tube have negligible effect on the energy dissipation mainly depending on beam section properties.