TY - JOUR
T1 - 3D macro-element for innovative plug-and-play joints
AU - Miculaş, Cristian V.
AU - Costa, Ricardo J.
AU - da Silva, Luis Simões
AU - Simões, Rui
AU - Craveiro, Helder
AU - Tankova, Trayana
PY - 2024
Y1 - 2024
N2 - This paper presents the development, implementation, and validation of a macro-element suitable for the linear analysis of innovative 3D plug-and-play joints between tubular columns and lightweight steel truss-girders. The macro-element is based on the component method, accounts for the three-dimensional interaction between the tube faces, and its components have a clear physical meaning. Simplified procedures are developed for the closed-form computation of the stiffness matrix of the macro-element based on the geometric and mechanical properties of the nodal zone. This facilitates practical application in everyday design scenarios. Furthermore, the macro-element's architecture is implemented in the framework of OpenSees as a standalone beam-to-column joint finite element. Validation of the conceptual design is accomplished through parametric studies, comparing its performance with models generated in higher-order finite element commercial software, Abaqus. This research offers a valuable resource for the linear analysis and design of innovative 3D plug-and-play joint connections in structural engineering, enhancing efficiency and reliability in construction practices.
AB - This paper presents the development, implementation, and validation of a macro-element suitable for the linear analysis of innovative 3D plug-and-play joints between tubular columns and lightweight steel truss-girders. The macro-element is based on the component method, accounts for the three-dimensional interaction between the tube faces, and its components have a clear physical meaning. Simplified procedures are developed for the closed-form computation of the stiffness matrix of the macro-element based on the geometric and mechanical properties of the nodal zone. This facilitates practical application in everyday design scenarios. Furthermore, the macro-element's architecture is implemented in the framework of OpenSees as a standalone beam-to-column joint finite element. Validation of the conceptual design is accomplished through parametric studies, comparing its performance with models generated in higher-order finite element commercial software, Abaqus. This research offers a valuable resource for the linear analysis and design of innovative 3D plug-and-play joint connections in structural engineering, enhancing efficiency and reliability in construction practices.
KW - Innovative plug-and-play joints
KW - Lightweight steel frames
KW - Macro-element
KW - OpenSees
KW - Tubular columns
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85181825181&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.jcsr.2023.108436
DO - 10.1016/j.jcsr.2023.108436
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85181825181
SN - 0143-974X
VL - 214
JO - Journal of Constructional Steel Research
JF - Journal of Constructional Steel Research
M1 - 108436
ER -