Tesis sobre el tema "Fire ; connections ; finite element modelling"

The behaviour of connections in fire has become of particular interest to the structural engineering community following the possible link of connection failure to the collapse of the World Trade Centre building 7 and the failures and huge distortion of some connections after the Cardington full scale tests. In order to widen the understanding of the complex behaviour of connections in fire this thesis discusses a number of specific issues relating to connections in fire and their influence on structural response. The first part of this work presents a finite element model for predicting connection temperature profiles. A parametric study is then carried out to investigate which factors have the greatest influence on temperature prediction. This method is compared to the currently available methods for connection temperature prediction presented in the Eurocodes: using a percentage of the beam mid-span lower flange temperature to estimate the temperature across the connection and a lumped capacitance method to calculate average joint temperature based on the mass of material and surface area. In each case, along with the predicted temperatures, the influence on connection material strength is also presented. The three methods have varying levels of accuracy. The finite element model provides detailed and accurate results due to the thorough consideration given to the input parameters. The percentages method gives reasonable estimates in the heating phase but is less accurate in cooling and the lumped capacitance method is only suitable for crude estimations. The remainder of the thesis is concerned with how a number of phenomena affect the overall structural behaviour of buildings: the inclusion of detailed connection models within larger, less complex, finite element models; the effects of connection rotational capacity and the composite beam-slab shear connection. A finite element model for isolated joints is presented in detail for a number of heating regimes and connection types. The influence of the bolt shear and tensile properties is considered in detail and the need for further testing on bolts at high temperatures is discussed. The model has the capacity to predict a number of failure modes and also shows a good comparison between experimental and theoretical deflected shapes. This connection model is then inserted into a large model. It is shown that whilst the inclusion of the shell connection has a small influence on the residual deflections of a structure after cooling when compare to a model where connections are simple and fixed, the difference between heating and not heating the connection does effect structural deflections. Following on from the previous full scale model, simple connections are then exclusively included where the connection rotational capacity is varied. Results show that there is not a large effect on the structural deflections or beam axial and shear forces when rotational behaviour is changed. However column bending moments are hugely increased during heating both in the fire compartment and away from it and fixed connections result in larger bending moment that pinned ones. Finally, the shear interaction between the slab and beams is investigated. The detailed development of both an ambient temperature and then an elevated temperature model of a beam-slab system including explicit shear studs are presented. A study is then carried out looking at the effects on deflections and beam forces when the strength and ductility of the studs are altered. It is found that more ductile studs with a high shear capacity are beneficial for reducing forces in beams and limiting their deflections. Finally the shear studs are included in the larger model used in previous chapters where results are similar to those seen in the beam-slab model, but are less pronounced.

In a context where timber is gaining popularity as a building material and glass-fibre reinforced composites (GFRC) are becoming more accessible in a wide variety of formats, it is considered appropriate to reconsider the combination of these two materials. Additionally, given the increasing use of laminated timber elements where stiffness and strength are better controlled, attention is drawn back to the connection between elements. For these reasons, it is considered of interest to study reinforcing possibilities for connections within timber structures. This work consists in a parametric study of a single-dowelled connection between a timber part and a slotted-in steel plate, reinforced wirh GFRC plates glued into the timber slot at both sides of the steel plate. The study was carried out through simulations in ABAAUS Finite Element Analysis software considering the effect of specimen's geometry and the fibre distribution within the GFRC. Results show the increase of stiffness for the different configurations and give an insight of what can be expected from such type of reinforcements.

Structural engineers and architects have a responsibility for incorporating fire safety into their building designs in order to minimize loss of life and property. To meet this requirement, extensive research has been carried out, aimed at obtaining better understanding of the performance of steel and composite structures under fire conditions. Recent research indicates that the robustness of steel connections is vitally important to the fire resistance of steel-framed composite buildings. The development of effective connection models is a key issue in this research field. This PhD research is focused on the development of robust connection elements, for modelling steel connections at elevated temperatures. In this work, a robust simplified two-node connection element has been developed, for modelling the behaviour of the bolted end-plate connections between steel beam and column at elevated temperatures. The proposed numerical procedure is based on the model proposed by Huang (2011), incorporating additional developments to more precisely determine the tension, compression, and bending moment capacities of end-plate connections in fire. The proper failure criteria are proposed to calculate the tension capacity for each individual bolt row. In this new model, the connection failure due to bending, axial tension, compression and shear are considered. The influence of the axial force of the connected beam on the connection is also taken into account. This new model has the advantages of both the simple and component-based models. A total of 22 tests are used to validate the model. From these validations, it is evident that this new connection model has ability to accurately predict the behaviour of the end-plate connection at elevated temperatures, and can be used to represent the end-plate connections in supporting performance-based fire resistance design of steel-framed composite buildings. For modelling the behaviour of partial end-plate connections between steel beams and columns under fire conditions, a simplified robust 2-node connection element has also been developed. The rotational response of a partial end-plate connection at elevated temperatures comprises of two stages. These stages are due to the shift of the compression centre of the connection from the end of end-plate, to the centre of the beam bottom flange at large rotation. The model proposed in this research accounts for these two stage behaviours, representing the partial end-plate iv connection as a 2-node non-linear spring element. Characteristics of the spring, such as stiffness, tension, compression, shear strengths and bending moment resistance, are determined based on a component-based approach. This model therefore retains the advantages of both the simple and component-based models. Compared to normal component-based models, this simplified model has very good numerical stability under static solver condition, and is computationally efficient. Fourteen tests are used to validate the model, showing that the model is capable of accurately predicting the behaviour of partial end-plate connections under fire conditions. A series of numerical studies has been conducted on a 2D steel frame, subjected to ISO834 Fire and Natural Fire, in order to investigate the influences of the connections on the behaviour of steel structures. It is clear that the model can be used to represent the partial end-plate connections in performance-based fire resistance design of steel-framed composite buildings. According to full-scale fire tests, tensile membrane action within the concrete floor slabs plays an important role in affecting the fire resistance of composite buildings. It is well known that the development of tensile membrane actions relies on the vertical support along the edges of the slab panel. However, there is at present a lack of research into how vertical supports influence the tensile membrane actions of the slab. In this thesis, the performance of a generic three dimensional 45m x 45m composite floor subjected to ISO834 Fire and Natural Fire are investigated. Different vertical support conditions and three steel meshes are applied, in order to assess the impact of vertical supports on tensile membrane action of floor slabs. Unlike other existing large scale modelling which assumed that the connections behave as pinned or rigid for simplicity, the two robust 2-node connection element models described above are used to model the semi-rigid behaviour of end-plate and partial end-plate connections within the fire compartment. The impact of connections on the 3D behaviour of composite floors is taken into consideration. The load-transfer mechanisms of a composite floor, when connections fail due to axial tension, vertical shear and bending are investigated. Based on the results obtained, some design recommendations are proposed for enhancing the fire resistance of composite buildings.

This study focused on the non-linear finite element modelling procedure, utilising the explicit dynamic analysis technique, and how the various modelling parameters affect the accuracy. The computer modelling of screwed connections is a complex task, and the objective was to investigate the different modalities of finite element modelling to effectively analyse thin sheet steel screwed connections, through calibration against test data found within existing literature. Several aspects of the modelling procedure were examined, including contact definitions, the effective control of the applied load and how it affects the energy output of the finite element model. The final calibrated model was utilised in subsequent parametric studies, which investigated the effect of the steel sheet thickness, as well as the number of the screws used. Results concluded that the finite element model could effectively simulate the expected experimental behaviour of these connections.
Disseration (MEng)--University of Pretoria, 2016.
Civil Engineering
MEng
Unrestricted

Dowel-type steel to timber connections are commonly used in timber structure. The load carrying capacity and the stress distribution within the connection area are complicated and the failure behavior of a connection depends on many parameters. The main purpose of this thesis was to verify, using the data obtained from previous experiments, the conventional design method of European Code 5(EC5) (hand calculation) for dowel type joints subjected to pure bending moment and other alternative design methods based on the finite element method (FEM) including the use of the mean stress approach and the extended finite element method (XFEM). Finite element models were created in the software ABAQUS. The models were then used to predict the load bearing capacity and compare this to the experimental results. In addition parametric studies were performed with modifications of material properties and other parameters. The closest prediction in relation to the test results was obtained using XFEM where the predicted capacity was 3.82% larger than the experimental result. An extension of the mean stress method going from a 2D-formulation to a 3D-formulation was verified as well. A general conclusion drawn from this work is that the numerical modelling approaches used should also be suitable for application to complex connections and situations involving other loading situations than pure tension.

Joints are the most critical elements in a steel framed structure. In most design guides or codes, the joints are assumed to a have higher fire resistance than the connected structural members because of the lower temperatures in the joints. However, in severe fire conditions, a connected beam's temperature may be higher than its limiting temperature and the beam may develop catenary action when the beam’s axial shortening from large deflections becomes greater than the beam’s thermal expansion. This beam catenary action force could fracture the joints, increasing the risk of progressive collapse. This research focuses on the interaction between joints and the connected steel beams and columns in steel framed structures in fire, including how the behaviour of a joint-beam assembly may be efficiently analyzed and how the joints may be constructed to achieve high degrees of catenary action. Three methods of simulating the joint behaviour in fire have been developed and implemented in the commercial finite element software ABAQUS. In the first modelling method, all structural members, including the connections, were simulated using detailed solid elements to enable detailed behaviour of the structure to be faithfully represented. In the second method, the columns were represented by conventional line (beam) elements, the joints were represented using springs (Connector Elements) based on the component based method, and the beam was modelled using solid elements. In the third method, the joints were modelled using springs as in the second method and the beam and columns were simulated using line (beam) elements. As expected, the detailed simulation method was extremely time-consuming, but was able to produce detailed and accurate results. The simulation results from the second and third methods contained some inaccuracies, but depending on the simulation objective, their simulation results may be acceptable. In particular, the third simulation method was very efficient, suitable for simulating complete frame structures under very large deflections in fire. The first method (detailed finite element method) was then used to investigate how to change the joint details to increase the survivability of restrained steel beams and beam-column assemblies at high temperatures since it enables detailed behaviour of the structure to be faithfully represented. It is found that by improving joint deformation capacity, in particular, using extended endplate connection with fire resistant bolts, very high temperatures can be resisted. The frame robustness in fire was investigated using the third simulation method to save computation time. The simulation structure was three-bay by three-floor and different scenarios of fire location, fire spread and initial structural damage were considered. The simulation results show that once failure of a column occurs, progressive collapse of the structure could be easily triggered and it would be rather futile to only enhance the joint capacity. Therefore, in addition to the measures of improving joint capacities (both rotation and strength), design of the affected columns should include consideration of the additional catenary forces from the connected beams and the increased effective lengths. Furthermore, the lateral bracing system should be ensured to provide the structure with lateral restraint.

[EN] Concrete filled steel tubular columns have many advantages in terms of bearing capacity, aesthetics, execution and fire resistance, thanks to the collaborative work of both materials steel and concrete. The effort made in the last decades to rise a high understanding of their behaviour subjected to different loads and assuming multiple variations has resulted in the wide spread of its use between the designers. Nonetheless, how to solve the connection with I-beams is still a handicap and requires a specific study. One of the most common and popular solution to connect open section steel beams (I-beams) to open section steel columns are endplate connections. In the cases of columns with hollow section, special fastenings are needed, which are able to be tightened from one external side and are denominated blind-bolts. Nowadays, there are several fastener systems that allow these types of connections. The characterization of their response and their capacity to support different loads is the objective of several investigations, where the geometrical definition and the material properties are crucial parameters. Despite the promising results of these connections at room temperature regarding their capability to resist bending moments, their performance is un-known at high temperatures. Therefore, the aim of this thesis is the study of the tensile behaviour of blind-bolts in endplate connections to concrete filled tubular columns at elevated temperatures and subjected to bending moment. Primarily, the research comprises the understanding of the pure thermal transfer problem. The temperature distribution through the connection section is obtained experimental and numerically. The thermal parameters that characterize the connections response are determined through the calibration of the numerical models with the experiments. Secondly, the blind-bolt capacity under pull out and at high temperatures is under analysis. During the fire the temperature increases while connection transmits loads from the beam to the column, the objective of this dissertation is to know how the mechanical response of the pulled blind-bolts changes under these conditions. Thus, the study of the material properties dependent on the temperature and their effect on the connection response is covered by the investigation. Furthermore, the influence of the concrete and the type of fastener is a highlighted aspect through the thermal and the fire analysis. Finally, the reliability of these connections to comply with requirements of 30 minutes fire exposure before the collapse is evaluated. As a result, valuable Finite Element models able to simulate the thermal and thermo-mechanical behaviour of the connection are developed, providing useful behavioural patterns of the blind-bolts. Among the main conclusions, it is noted the temperature reduction due to concrete core in concrete filled columns compared to hollow sections, in the exposed bolt surface means 100ºC less. Conversely, a longer bolt shank of the fastener system embedded in concrete has a negligible effect on the temperature of the resistant part of the bolt. Regarding the fire capacity, the concrete core in the steel tube columns presents significant benefits in terms of fire resistance time and connection stiffness. Besides, the bolt anchorage enhances the stiffness at elevated temperatures, however, the failure of the shank next to the bolt head causes that the anchorage does not mean an improvement on the fire time resistance.
[ES] Las columnas tubulares de acero rellenas de hormigón presentan múltiples ventajas en términos de capacidad de carga, estética, ejecución y resistencia al fuego, gracias a la acción combinada de acero y hormigón. El esfuerzo realizado en las últimas décadas por conocer su comportamiento frente a diferentes cargas y bajo distintos parámetros ha dado lugar a una amplia difusión de su uso entre los diseñadores. No obstante, la forma de resolver la conexión con vigas de sección en I sigue siendo un hándicap y requiere un estudio específico. Una de las soluciones más comunes y populares para conectar las vigas de acero de sección abierta (vigas I) a columnas de acero de sección abierta es la conexión con chapa de testa, que en el caso de sección hueca requiere de tornillos especiales denominados tornillos ciegos, puesto que reciben el par de apriete desde una cara de la sección. En la actualidad existen diversos sistemas de fijación que permiten este tipo de conexiones y cuya respuesta y caracterización es objeto de numerosas investigaciones. En este sentido, la definición geométrica de la unión y las propiedades de los materiales son parámetros cruciales en el rendimiento de la conexión. La presente tesis analiza el comportamiento de los tornillos ciegos en el área traccionada de conexiones de placa de testa a columnas tubulares de acero rellenas de hormigón sometidas a momentos de flexión y a elevadas temperaturas. Las prestaciones de esta solución constructiva para la unión viga-columna tubular, junto con la ausencia de datos relacionados con su comportamiento en situación de incendio la convirtió en el objetivo del trabajo. En primer lugar, la investigación aborda el problema de transferencia de calor, analizando experimental y numéricamente la distribución de temperaturas en la sección de la conexión. En esta parte del estudio se obtienen los parámetros térmicos que caracterizan la respuesta térmica de la conexión a través de la calibración de los modelos numéricos con los datos experimentales. En segundo lugar, se realiza el estudio de la capacidad de los tornillos ciegos para soportar cargas de tracción en situación de incendio, es decir, se analiza cómo cambia el comportamiento de la conexión con sus características alteradas debido a las altas temperaturas. El estudio de las propiedades del material en función de la temperatura y su efecto sobre la respuesta de la conexión constituyen una parte importante de la investigación. Además, se evalúa la influencia del hormigón y el tipo de elemento de sujeción tanto en el comportamiento mecánico como termo-mecánico de la conexión. Por último, se estudia la capacidad de las uniones para cumplir con requerimientos de exposición al fuego de 30 minutos previamente al colapso. Como resultado de este trabajo se obtuvieron modelos de elementos finitos capaces de simular la conexión térmica y termo-mecánicamente, proporcionando patrones de comportamiento de gran utilidad en el diseño de las mismas. Entre las principales conclusiones, se observó la reducción de la temperatura en los tornillos gracias al núcleo de hormigón en columnas de hormigón lleno en comparación con secciones huecas, que ya en la superficie expuesta del tornillo se cuantificaba en 100ºC menos. Por el contrario, los elementos de fijación que presentaban mayor longitud de vástago de tornillo embebida en el hormigón, no generaban un efecto significativo sobre la temperatura de la parte resistente del perno. En cuanto a la capacidad resistente frente a fuego, el núcleo de hormigón supuso una mejora en términos de rigidez y de tiempo de resistencia al fuego. Sin embargo, el fallo de los pernos en una sección próxima a la superficie expuesta redujo el efecto esperado del anclaje del tornillo, que si bien implicaba una mayor rigidez de la conexión, no parecía mejorar el tiempo de resistencia a fuego. Finalmente se planteó la necesidad de
[CAT] Els pilars tubulars d'acer omplerts de formigó (CFT) presenten molts avantatges en termes de capacitat de carrega, estètica, execució i resistència al foc, gràcies a l'acció combinada de l'acer i el formigó. L'esforç realitzat en les darreres dècades per conèixer el seu comportament enfront a diferents càrregues i sota distints paràmetres ha donat lloc a una amplia difusió del seu ús entre el dissenyadors. No obstant això, la manera de resoldre la connexió amb bigues de secció en I, continua sent un handicap i requereix d'un estudi específic. Una de les solucions més comuns i populars per a connectar les bigues d'acer de secció oberta (bigues I) a columnes d'acer de secció oberta és la connexió amb 'chapa de testa', que en el cas de la secció buida requereix de perns especials denominats perns cecs perquè es rosquen des d'una cara de la secció. En l'actualitat existeixen diversos sistemes de fixació que permeten aquest tipus de connexions, la resposta i caracterització dels quals es l'objectiu de nombroses recerques. En aquest sentit, la definició geomètrica de la unió i les propietats dels materials son paràmetres crucials en el rendiment de la connexió. Aquesta tesi analitza el comportament dels perns cecs en l'àrea traccionada de connexions de 'chapa de testa', a pilars tubulars d'acer omplerts de formigó, sotmeses a moments de flexió i a elevades temperatures. Les prestacions d'aquesta solució constructiva per a la unió biga-pilar tubular junt amb l'absència de dades relacionades amb el comportament en situació d'incendi, la van convertir en l'objectiu d'aquest treball. En primer lloc, la recerca aborda el problema de transferència de calor, analitzant tant experimental com numèricament la distribució de temperatures en la secció de la connexió. En aquesta part de l'estudi, s'obtenen el paràmetres tèrmics que caracteritzen la resposta tèrmica de la connexió mitjançant el calibratge del models numèrics amb les dades experimentals. En segon lloc, es realitza l'estudi de la capacitat dels perns cecs per a suportar càrregues de tracció en situació d'incendi, es a dir, s'analitza com canvia el comportament de la connexió amb les seues característiques alterades degut a les altes temperatures. L'estudi de les propietats del material en funció de la temperatura i el seu efecte en la resposta de la connexió formen també part de la recerca. Un contingut important d'aquest treball consisteix en determinar l'influencia del formigó i el tipus d'element de fixació tant en el comportament mecànic com termo-mecànic de la connexió. Per últim, s'estudia la capacitat de les unions per a complir amb els requeriments d'exposició al foc de 30 minuts prèviament al col·lapse. Com a resultat d'aquest treball s'obtingueren models d'elements finits amb capacitat per a simular el comportament tèrmic i termo-mecànic de la connexió, proporcionant patrons de comportament de gran utilitat en el disseny. Entre les principals conclusions, es va observar la reducció de la temperatura en els perns gràcies al nucli de formigó en pilars omplerts de formigó en comparació amb el pilars buits, on ja en la superfície esposada del cargol es quantificava en 100 ºC menys. Pel contrari, els elements de fixació que presentaven major longitud de embeguda en el formigó, no generaven un efecte significatiu en la temperatura de la part resistent del pern. En quant a la capacitat resistent davant del foc, el nucli de formigó va suposar una millora en termes de rigidesa i de temps de resistència al foc. Tanmateix, la fallada dels perns en una secció pròxima a la superfície esposada va reduir l'efecte esperat de la fixació del pern, que si be implicava una major rigidesa de la connexió, no semblava millorar el temps de resistència al foc. Finalment, es va plantejar la necessitat de aprofundir en l'anàlisi incorporant un major rang de paràmetres.
Pascual Pastor, AM. (2015). Fire behaviour of blind-bolted connections to concrete filled tubular columns under tension [Tesis doctoral no publicada]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/53240
TESIS

La compréhension du comportement des structures en maçonneries exposées au feu et la prédiction de leur résistance au feu, sont des besoins majeurs, exprimes par les industriels de la terre cuite, à cause du manque d’études disponibles. L’objectif de ce travail est de construire des outils numériques qui sont capables de prédire le comportement et la tenue au feu des murs de briques alvéolaires en terre cuite, porteurs ou non porteurs, montes avec joints épais en mortier traditionnel ou avec joints minces en mortier colle. Pour cela, des investigations expérimentales à l’échelle de matériau et à l’échelle structurale sont menées permettant de comprendre les phénomènes thermo-hygro-mécaniques contrôlant la tenue au feu. Ces phénomènes majeurs sont par la suite pris en compte dans la construction de modèles de comportement, dont la mise en oeuvre numérique permet de disposer d’un outil de simulation de la tenue au feu des maçonneries. Pour le problème thermique, les trois modes de transferts : conduction, convection et rayonnement, avec l’ajustement de l’effet hydrique dans la capacité thermique, permettent de simuler la réponse thermo-hydrique dans la structure alvéolaire en terre cuite. Sur le plan mécanique, la tenue au feu des murs en maçonnerie est abordée du point de vue du risque d’écaillage. Cette rupture, localisée ou diffuse, des parois peut conduire à une perte d’étanchéité du mur ou à celle de son intégrité mécanique. Pour évaluer ce risque, une modélisation thermo-élastique tridimensionnelle est proposée avec la prise en compte de l’évolution des propriétés avec la température. Cette modélisation simplifiée est complétée à un critère d’écaillage de type détachement-voilement. En parallèle avec des calculs de validations, des études paramétriques sont menées afin d’identifier les influences des paramètres thermiques, mécaniques sur le comportement thermo-mécanique des murs
Understanding the behaviour of masonry structures exposed to fire and prediction of their fire resistance, are nowadays one of the major needs, expressed by manufacturers of fire-clay, because of the lack of available studies. The objective of this work is to build numerical tools that are able to predict the behaviour and resistance to fire of walls made with hollow fire-clay brick. The walls may be loadbearing or unloadbearing, joined with thick traditional mortar or thin adhesive mortar. For this purpose, experimental investigations at material scale and structural scale are carried out to understand the thermo-hygro-mechanical phenomena controlling the fire resistance rate. These major phenomena are then taken into account for the construction of behaviour models, which allow to dispose a tool of simulation of fire behaviour of masonry. For the thermal problem, the three transfer modes : conduction, convection and radiation, with the adjustment of the water effect in the heat capacity, can simulate the thermo-hygric response of alveolar structure in the fire-clay. On the mechanical problem, the fire resistance of masonry walls is approached from the point of view of the risk of spalling. This rupture, local or diffuse, of the brick partitions can lead to a loss of integrity or of loadbearing capacity. To evaluate this risk, a three-dimensional thermoelastic modeling is proposed with the taking into account of the evolution of the properties with the temperature. This simplified modeling is completed with a criterion of spalling of type detachment-buckling. In parallel with the validated calculations, parametrical studies are conducted to identify the influence of thermal, mechanical on the thermo-mechanical behaviour of the walls

La technique des goujons collés dans les structures bois allie performances mécaniques et esthétisme. Elle répond au besoin de conservation du bâti pour le domaine de la rénovation et au besoin d’assemblages de plus en plus rigides et résistants en construction neuve avec l’avènement des structures bois de grandes ampleurs et l’arrivée de nouveaux produits tels que le bois lamellé croisé (CLT). De nombreuses études de caractérisation mécanique ont été menées au cours de ces 35 dernières années. L’enquête menée auprès des professionnels et experts en vue de l’introduction de cette technique dans l’Eurocode 5 a néanmoins révélé des attentes et lacunes particulières vis-à-vis des connaissances sur le comportement des assemblages multi-tiges, le choix des adhésifs, le comportement à long terme du collage et les techniques de contrôle qualité. Les travaux de cette thèse, menés en collaboration entre l’université de Bordeaux et l’Université Laval (Québec, Canada), ont pour objectif d’apporter des réponses sur le comportement mécanique des adhésifs, et assemblages sous sollicitation thermique et d’initier les développements sur le comportement à long terme et les assemblages multi-tiges. Les principaux résultats sont issus de travaux expérimentaux et numériques valorisés sous la forme d’articles scientifiques. Les essais mécaniques dynamiques menés sur une colle polyuréthane (PUR) et une résine époxy (EPX) entre 30°C et 120°C mettent en avant des différences importantes de raideur et de dégradations entre les deux adhésifs. Exposés à la chaleur, les assemblages sont eux aussi affectés avec des pertes de raideur et de résistance dès 40°C, en amont de la température de transition vitreuse et de la dégradation des adhésifs. Amené à suivre le régime de température extérieur, l’assemblage doit par sa conception être isolé afin de prévenir les risques aux états limites de service (ELS) et aux états limites ultimes (ELU). Très peu de données sont disponibles dans la littérature sur le comportement à long terme des assemblages goujons collés. L’étude du fluage ajoute une dimension temporelle aux problématiques de raideur. La base de données expérimentales collectée dans ces travaux repose sur 12 campagnes d’essais de 1 à 2 mois en conditions climatiques régulées en température et humidité relative, ou variables (service classe 1). Chargement et climat influent sur le glissement, mais aussi sur la durée de vie. Si des disparités sont présentes entre EPX et PUR, les études menées à 20°C et 50°C révèlent à nouveau l’importance de prendre en considération la température, notamment aux ELS. L’étude en régime variable illustre de son côté la sensibilité du système aux variations de température et d’humidité. L’étude de la répartition des efforts en fonction de la raideur des goujons est choisie comme fil conducteur pour investiguer le passage vers des éléments multi-tiges. Un modèle 3D mono-tige aux éléments finis est tout d’abord développé pour prendre en compte l’orthotropie du bois et regarder l’influence du centre de moelle jusqu’à présent négligée. Par la suite ce modèle est étendu aux configurations multi-tiges afin de simuler différentes configurations d’essais. Un prototype d’essai de caractérisation mécanique des assemblages multi-tiges est finalement présenté
Glued-in rods have successfully been used for connections or reinforcement of timber structures. With the development of tall and large timber buildings and new products such as Cross Laminated Timber (CLT), there is an increasing need for connections that provide high stiffness and strength. Timber connections using glued in rods have a general aesthetic appeal, and take advantage of the structural adhesives that provide a high stiffness and load capacity. During the last 30 years, multiple applications have been developed for renovation and new construction. In parallel, numerous investigations have characterized the mechanical performance of these connections, but harmonized design rules are not available. A lack of knowledge on the multiple-rod connections, on the choice of adhesives, on long-term effects and on the control of quality is identified by a recent study and must be investigated before a new submission to Eurocode 5. This thesis is performed in the framework of collaboration between Université de Bordeaux (France) and Université Laval (Canada). Objectives are focused on the mechanical performance of adhesives and glued-in rod connections under elevated temperature, on the development of creep tests and the investigations of multiple-rod connections. This study combines experimental and finite element modelling results, which are presented in the form of scientific articles. A Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) on one polyurethane (PUR) and one epoxy (EPX) adhesives followed by static tensile tests on the connections with small-diameter steel glued-in rods have been conducted at different temperatures. High differences in stiffness are observed between the two adhesives. Glued-in rod connections with the EPX and PUR adhesives demonstrate significant losses of stiffness and resistance beyond 40°C, before the glass transition temperature of the adhesive. Following the outside temperature, connections must be insulated to prevent excessive slip and risk of failure at the Serviceability Limits State (SLS) and at the Ultimate Limit States (ULS). Few data on the long-term effects are available in the literature. In this work, 12 campaigns of creep tests, adding time effects to previous work, have been performed. Glued-in rod connections were tested during one to two months in a conditioning room where temperature and relative humidity were controlled or in a room with a variable climate representative of service class 1. Disparities were observed between EXP and PUR. Creep tests conducted at 20°C and 50°C revealed an important role of the temperature, particularly for SLS. Creep tests in variable climate illustrated the sensibility of connections to the temperature and humidity variations. The stiffness and stress distribution in multiple-rod connections were investigated. First, a 3D model was developed to observe the influence of the wood orthotropy on the stiffness and stress distribution in a connection with a single rod. Then, the model was extended to multiple-rod connections to simulate different loads and boundary conditions. Finally, a prototype of a connection with multiple glued-in rods was tested

La connaissance du comportement au feu des structures est primordiale pour la maîtrise des risques en situation d’incendie. Pour le bois, matériau combustible, des travaux expérimentaux et de simulations numériques ont montré que ce matériau avait un comportement intéressant en situation d’incendie, car il se consume de façon maîtrisable. Cependant, ces travaux restent limités au regard de la complexité du comportement du matériau, des composants et des assemblages à base de bois. L’étude de la stabilité au feu des structures bois nécessite la connaissance de l’évolution des caractéristiques mécaniques et thermiques des liaisons (résistance et rigidité) dont dépend le comportement mécanique des structures. Pour une meilleure compréhension du fonctionnement mécanique des assemblages en situation d’incendie, la mise en place de modèles numériques, validés par essais, est nécessaire. Dans cette étude, l’objectif est d’utiliser un modèle numérique le plus précis possible afin de définir des méthodes simplifiées de calcul d’assemblages, facilement utilisables par les professionnels. Les résultats d’essais réalisés sur les assemblages bois-bois et bois-métal servant de base à la validation des modèles du comportement thermomécanique sont présentés. Il s’agit d’essais de traction longitudinale, transversale et d’essais de flexion sous conditions normales et sous actions thermiques normalisées. L’étude thermomécanique des assemblages est effectuée à partir de deux maillages tridimensionnels différents pour les calculs thermique et mécanique. Pour le modèle mécanique, les discontinuités sont prises en compte à travers des éléments de contact aux interfaces des pièces assemblées. Pour le calcul thermique, le maillage est continu et la résistance due au contact entre les éléments est ainsi négligée. Les modèles mécaniques et thermiques sont validés sur la base des résultats expérimentaux (courbes force-glissement et températures). Le modèle mécanique permet par ailleurs d’analyser la distribution des contraintes au sein des assemblages et d’évaluer l’influence de différents critères élasto-plastiques ou de rupture représentant le comportement mécanique du bois. Enfin, le modèle thermomécanique, a permis de simuler le comportement des assemblages testés en situation d’incendie. Le résultat utilisé pour valider le modèle thermomécanique est la durée de résistance au feu de l’assemblage. Cette durée est définie à l’aide des courbes glissement-temps obtenues par le modèle numérique. De bons résultats sont obtenus pour la prédiction des temps de rupture. L’évolution de la distribution des efforts sur les différents organes en fonction de la durée d’exposition au feu est aussi présentée. Ainsi, le modèle développé dans ce travail permet de bien représenter le comportement thermomécanique des assemblages étudiés. Il représente aussi un outil intéressant pour analyser le comportement au feu d’assemblages constitués de plusieurs organes métalliques. Il permet de servir de base pour développer une approche multiparamètre basée sur des plans d’expérience numérique. Ces travaux permettront de proposer des méthodes de dimensionnement simples, validés par les modèles numériques, et utilisables par les praticiens de la construction
The knowledge of the behavior of structures under fire conditions is essential to control the risks during a fire. As timber is a combustible material, fire safety is of main importance for the development of its use in buildings. Although experimental and numerical studies exist in the literature, their number still limited regarding the variety of the configurations and the complexity of the mechanical behavior of the connections. Among the various structural components, the joints are characterized by a complex thermomechanical behavior due mainly to the geometrical configuration combining various materials (steel and timber). They govern the load-carrying capacity of the structure and its safety, as well in normal conditions as in fire situation. Due to their complex geometrical, physical and material configurations, the behavior of the connections in fire is one of the more difficult to predict. The development of generalized models requires the combination of research based both on the experimental results given by full scale tests and the development of sophisticated numerical models validated on these tests.The experimental results of tests realized on timber-to-timber and steel-to-timber connections used as a basis for the validation of the numerical models are presented. They concern tests of longitudinal and transversal tension and flexion under normal conditions and under standardized thermal actions. The thermomechanical analysis of the connections is made from two different three-dimensional meshings for the thermal and mechanical calculations. The thermal model is continuous to take account of the thermal continuity between the joint components. The mechanical model is discontinuous to consider the contact evolution between the joint components. The thermal model isused to predict the evolution of the temperature field inside the joint depending on the gas temperature. It is validated on the basis of measured temperatures during fire tests. The mechanical model is validated by comparison with the experimental results of joints in normal conditions. It allows the analysis of the distribution of stresses within the joints. The influence of various criteria to represent the mechanical behavior of timber is also studied. Finally, the thermomechanical model, based on previous both models, allowed to predict the behaviorof the tested connections in fire situation. The thermo-mechanical model is validated considering the fire resistance duration of some joints. This duration is defined by means of displacement-time curves obtained by the numerical model. The models showed a good capacity to simulate the failure times of the timber joints in fire situations. The application of the model gave the possibility to analyse the load distribution among the fasteners of the studied joints.The model developed in this work represents well the thermomechanical behavior of the tested connections. These developed and tested models can be used as general tool to analyze the behavior of a large variety of joint configurations to constitute a data base that can be used in safe and economic practice of fire engineering of wood joints

En situation d'incendie, la dégradation des propriétés mécaniques des matériaux constitutifs d'une structure peut sensiblement en modifier le comportement global. Ainsi, lors d'essais au feu ou de sinistres réels, des flèches significatives sont observées sans ruine globale du plancher. Ceci traduit l'activation d'un mécanisme basé sur une borne supérieure de plasticité en grands déplacements et appelé effet membrane. Ainsi, malgré la perte des propriétés du béton, de l'acier d'armatures et de l'acier de construction des poutres connectées à une dalle en béton armé ou mixte acier-béton, la capacité portante de cette dalle se définit comme une fonction croissante de sa flèche. En pratique, le comportement complexe des planchers mixtes acier-béton peut être appréhendé par des modèles dits simplifiés ou avancés, suivant le niveau de précision souhaité. La méthode analytique FRACOF permet par exemple d'étudier un plancher global à température élevée, en se basant sur les modèles de comportement simplifiés des matériaux, acier et béton, définis dans les Eurocodes. Par cette méthode, la capacité portante d'une dalle peut alors être déterminée en tenant compte des profilés métalliques connectés à la dalle, et de l'activation d'un effet membrane en grands déplacements. Cette méthode analytique a été validée par une comparaison à des modèles éléments finis, ainsi qu'à des résultats d'essais au feu en grandeur nature. Elle est applicable à des profilés en acier laminé à chaud avec des portées pouvant atteindre 20 m. Or le franchissement de ces portées nécessite des sections de poutre à forte inertie, afin de limiter les flèches du plancher en service. Pour limiter la quantité d'acier que requerraient de telles poutres, le recours à des poutres cellulaires est une solution pratique et esthétique. Un modèle élément finis de poutres cellulaires en acier seul et mixtes est proposé dans le cadre de la thèse de doctorat. Le comportement thermo-mécanique des poutres cellulaires en acier seul est modélisé sous le code Cast3M. Les poutres mixtes sont modélisées en combinant un calcul de transfert thermique sous Cast3M et une analyse mécanique sous ANSYS. Les poutres en acier et la dalle en béton ou mixte sont représentées par des éléments de type coque. Les connecteurs sont représentés par des éléments de type poutre. Ce modèle tridimensionnel tient par ailleurs compte des non-linéarités matérielle et géométrique. Il est confronté à des résultats d'essais à températures normale et élevée. La validation du modèle est suivie d'une comparaison à une méthode analytique existante pour en vérifier la précision et le degré de conservatisme. Les poutres cellulaires sont ensuite étudiées en tant que partie intégrante de planchers mixtes acier-béton sous incendie. Un essai en grandeur nature sous feu réel met en évidence l'activation d'un effet membrane en présence de poutres cellulaires non-protégées, sans ruine du plancher. Les résultats de l'essai sont utilisés pour calibrer un modèle élément fini tridimensionnel. La calibration est effectuée en s'appuyant sur la distribution des températures dans les différents composants du plancher, la durée de résistance au feu, la forme des déformées et les modes de ruine. Ensuite, le modèle, qui peut reproduire le comportement thermo-mécanique d'un plancher mixte, est utilisé pour évaluer une proposition d'extension de la méthode FRACOF à des planchers mixtes comportant des poutres cellulaires.

Dissertação de Mestrado em Construção Metálica e Mista apresentada à Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade de Coimbra.
One of the biggest challenges in front of the growing wind energy industry is to build higher towers for wind energy converters. In order to deal with such a problem a new hybrid tower, comprising a steel lattice lower part and a steel tubular upper part solution was proposed. The solution is targeted at tall onshore applications which are more effective in energy generation in situations where wind shear profile is clearly benefiting higher turbines, for example near forests. As part of this project, this thesis is focused on the fatigue assessment of tubular bolted connection of lattice tower. In first chapter, commercial towers for wind energy converters are briefly introduced, namely, concrete towers, welded steel shell towers, concrete/steel hybrid towers, lattice towers and hybrid lattice-tubular towers. In the second chapter, developments in fatigue analysis during the last decades and fatigue life prediction methods are given. Moreover, special emphasis is given to multiaxial fatigue life criteria which was used in fatigue life calculation of the connection used in this thesis. In the third chapter, numerical finite element modelling steps for stiffness calculation, global beam element model, and local connection model are given in detail. Additionally, finite element stress-strain results and fatigue life calculations using these results are also explained. In the last chapter, conclusions are drawn and further possible improvements of this work is suggested.

Semi-rigid composite connections with precast hollowcore slabs are a newly developed technique with few applications in current construction practice. The research on the structural behaviour of this new type of connection is limited, with no existing method available to predict its important characteristics such as moment and rotation capacities. In this paper, based on the parametric studies of the three-dimensional finite element model and full-scale tests, analytical methods to calculate the moment and rotation capacity of this type of composite joint are proposed. A comparison between the proposed calculation method and the full-scale test results was made, and good agreement was obtained.

In this paper, using the general purpose software ABAQUS, a three dimensional (3-D) finite element model was built to simulate semi-rigid composite connection with precast hollowcore slabs. 3D continuum elements are used for all parts of the composite connections and the contact conditions between all the components are explicitly modelled. The model also incorporates nonlinear material characteristics and non-linear geometric behaviour. A simplified method to simulate the bolted end plate connection is introduced and validated. The proposed simulation method of the longitudinal shear transmission can accurately simulate the plastic state of the longitudinal rebars after cracking. Different materials are chosen by the authors to simulate the concrete slab, and the elastic¿plastic material property is adopted which can accurately simulate the moment¿rotation response of the connections. Numerical results are presented and compared with the experimental data and good agreement is obtained.

Yes
Elliptical Hollow Sections (EHSs) have been utilized in construction recently because of their visual appearance as well as the potential structural efficiency owing to the presence of the two principle axes. However, little information currently exists for the design of beam to elliptical column connections, which is an essential part of a building structure. Thus, to ensure the safe and economic application of EHSs, a new research project has been initiated. Rotation behaviour of simply bolted beam to concrete-filled elliptical steel column connections was investigated experimentally. Various joint types were considered and the benefits of adopting core concrete and stiffeners were highlighted. This paper covers the experimental studies and simulation of the connections using the ABAQUS standard solver. Comparisons of failure modes and moment vs. rotation relationships of the connections between numerical and experimental results were given. Good agreement has been obtained and the developed finite element model was therefore adopted to conduct a preliminary parametric study to explore the effect of critical parameters on the structural behaviour of beam to concrete-filled elliptical column connections.