Innovative Shear Link with A Corrugated and Perforated Web for Steel Moment-Resisting Frames

Abstract

Seismic codes specify minimum span-to-depth ratios for beams in moment-resisting frames (MRFs) to ensure adequate length for the development of flexural hinges at the beam ends, set at 7 and 5 for special and intermediate moment frames, respectively. To challenge this limitation, this paper introduces an innovative approach using replaceable shear links positioned at the mid-span of flexural beams, allowing for deviations from the prescribed ratios. Specifically, a shear link with a corrugated and perforated web was proposed, offering advanced performance in MRFs. A numerical study using the finite element method was performed to investigate the cyclic performance of moment-resisting frames equipped with the proposed shear link, incorporating key parameters such as corrugation angle, hole shape, and holes layout. The results were benchmarked against both a conventional moment-resisting frame and a frame featuring a flat perforated web with stiffeners for comparison. The proposed shear links exhibited superior energy dissipation, stable performance, acceptable lateral capacity, and high ductility. For all models, plastic strains were concentrated in the fuse region, while the other components remained elastic. The corrugation angle of 30° proved optimal, offering the highest lateral capacity compared to angles of 45° and 60° evaluated for the web plate. The diameter-to-spacing (D/S) ratio had a minimal effect on lateral capacity when the corrugation angle was fixed at 30°. Additionally, optimizing the hole layout with smaller, more uniformly distributed perforations allowed the proposed models to match the lateral capacity of conventional moment frames, making them a viable alternative to traditional designs.