Three-Dimensional Macro-Modeling of Major- and Minor-Axis Joints in Beam-to-Wide-Flange-Section Column Joints

The authors previously investigated a macro-model of the three-dimensional behavior of beam-to-rectangular hollow section column joints by extending an ordinary component-based approach. This modeling approach describes a new concept of a deformable cross-section component that represents the local out-of-plane deformation of plate elements consisting of beam-to-column joints. Moreover, it can represent multiple interactive behaviors of beam-ends in beam-to-column joints. The cross-section component was applied to analyze beam-to-wide-flange-section column joints and investigated their three-dimensional behaviors. Previous experimental studies involving sub-assemblage loading tests on beam-to-wide-flange-section column joints demonstrated the interaction between the major- (beam-to-column flange joints) and minor- (beam-to-column web joints) axis joints. In addition, previous test results demonstrated that the beams connected to the column flanges affected the out-of-plane behavior of the column web plate. Specifically, the torsional resistance of the column flanges in the joints dominated the out-of-plane behavior of the column web. This study introduced an H-shaped cross-section component to describe the interactive behavior of the out-of-plane deformation of the column web and the torsional rotation of the flange plates. Subsequently, the results of the joint modeling strategy with the cross-section component were verified by comparing them with previous loading test results.