Nonlinear finite elements analysis of different steel connections using Ansys Workbench

Moment - transmitting ductile steel frame systems are widely used in earthquake zones due to their high ductile capacity and energy absorption properties under cyclic load.In the modeling of structures to show the desired performance without being damaged, it is desired to choose the most suitable and correct sections, the junction areas to be more rigid than the selected sections and the most suitable system. As a result of the investigations made after the 1994 Northridge earthquake, the recommended steel joint types are presented in the FEMA -350 report. Some of the combinations presented in this report are also included in the TBDY-Turkey Building Earthquake Code. This thesis, is aimed to evaluate the performance of moment-transmitting and semi-rigid steel column-beam connections under monotonic and cyclic loading by non-linear finite element analysis. Before analyzing the connections to be made with finite element analysis, an experimental analysis was made from the literature in order to verify the finite element models, and the left element analysis of the butt plate bolted column - beam connection was made and the results of this study were compared with the results of the experimental analysis study. It has been observed that the results obtained in this study and the results obtained in the experimental analysis study in the literature are compatible with each other. It has been observed that EMHF and EMTF joints, which are moment-transferring joints, have more moment carrying capacity than the EMF junction example, and the damage situation occurs quite far from the column head surface of the plastic hinge formation. It has been observed that the EPW joint pattern in semi-rigid connections is more rigid and moment carrying capacity of the EPW connection sample is higher than the EP, DS and DSD joints. It was also observed that the plastic hinge and damage occurred in the beam. In the REMF connection example, it has been observed that plastic deformations occur in this region with reductions made at a certain distance from the column head and at a certain rate in the beam head.