Semi-rigid connection modeling for steel frameworks

This article provides a discussion of the mathematic modeling of connections for designing and qualifying structures, systems, and components subject to monotonic or cyclic loading. To characterize the force-deformation behavior of connections under monotonic loading, a review of the Ramberg-Osgood, Richard-Abbott, and Menegotto-Pinto models is conducted, and it is shown that these nonlinear functions can be mathematically derived by scaling up or down a linear force-deformation function. A generalized four-parameter model for simulating connection behavior is investigated to facilitate nonlinear regression analysis. In order to perform seismic analysis of frameworks, a hysteretic model accounting for loading, unloading, and reloading is described using the established monotonic model. For preliminary analysis, a method is provided to quickly determine the model parameters that fit approximately with the observed data. To reach more accurate values of the parameters, the methods of nonlinear regression analysis are investigated and the modified Levenberg-Marquardt and separable nonlinear least-square algorithms are applied in determining the model parameters. Example case studies illustrate the procedure for the computation through the use of experimental/analytical data taken form the literature. Transformation of connection curves from the three-parameter model to the four-parameter model for structural analysis is conducted based on the modeling of connections subject to fire.