Fatheen Hisham , Mahen Mahendran , Son Tung Vy , Anthony Ariyanayagam
{"title":"Numerical modelling of light gauge steel framed floors under standard fire conditions","authors":"Fatheen Hisham , Mahen Mahendran , Son Tung Vy , Anthony Ariyanayagam","doi":"10.1016/j.jcsr.2025.109626","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcsr.2025.109626","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The performance of light gauge steel framed (LSF) floors under fire conditions is primarily determined by plasterboard fall-off and subsequent heat ingress. Due to the high costs and time demands of full-scale fire tests, there is a critical need for numerical models capable of predicting the behaviour and fire resistance levels (FRLs) of LSF floors. However, the complexity of modelling plasterboard fall-off has hindered the development of such models. This study presents suitable advanced finite element (FE) heat transfer models that can predict the temperature-time profiles by including plasterboard fall-off, which are verified against standard fire test results. Additionally, new structural FE models incorporating sheathing have been developed to capture the influence of sheathing on the behaviour of LSF floors under both ambient and fire conditions. Overcoming the computational challenges associated with elevated temperatures was essential to the successful development of these structural FE models. By using the sequentially coupled heat transfer and structural FE models, the effect of different flooring materials (plywood and fibre cement panel) on FRL was investigated. Results indicate negligible FRL differences between these flooring options. A parametric study was also conducted to determine the FRLs of commonly used LSF floor configurations under varying load ratios. The developed models offer a robust tool for comprehensive parametric investigations to establish the FRL data for LSF floor systems, eliminating the need for extensive full-scale fire testing.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15557,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Constructional Steel Research","volume":"233 ","pages":"Article 109626"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144168119","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Bruno Pedrosa , Behzad V. Farahani , Carlos F.C. Rebelo , Rúben F. Santos , José Correia
{"title":"Fatigue mechanisms and crack strain field measurements on bolt hole detail","authors":"Bruno Pedrosa , Behzad V. Farahani , Carlos F.C. Rebelo , Rúben F. Santos , José Correia","doi":"10.1016/j.jcsr.2025.109664","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcsr.2025.109664","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The bolt hole detail's fatigue and crack growth behaviour were investigated through experimental testing and numerical approaches. Three fatigue models were used to describe the fatigue behaviour obtained from experimental tests. Fatigue mechanisms were evaluated by considering the impact of hole execution methods, protective coatings, and material type. A characteristic S-N curve was derived, showing that Castillo's model offered the most reliable fatigue life predictions across all stress range levels. Results also demonstrated that the EC3–1-9 design curve provides unsafe predictions at high-stress range levels compared to experimental data. Regarding fatigue crack growth, tests were conducted on specimens with both single and double cracks emerging from the bolt hole. The presence of multiple cracks led to a significant reduction in fatigue life. Beach and striation marks were identified in crack surfaces using optical and scanning electron microscopes. Digital Image Correlation measurements were used to capture strain fields ahead of the crack tip during the crack growth process, confirming distinct displacement patterns depending on the crack configuration. Overall, the findings highlight the critical role of fatigue mechanisms and crack growth assessments on the fatigue strength of bolt hole details. These results contribute to improving the quality of fatigue life predictions and provide valuable insights related to the fatigue crack growth on bolt hole details.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15557,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Constructional Steel Research","volume":"233 ","pages":"Article 109664"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144177952","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Deep learning-based integrated grid and section optimization for Kiewit shell structures","authors":"Zhang Ai-lin , Shen Xin-yu , Zhang Yan-xia , Chen Xiao-dong","doi":"10.1016/j.jcsr.2025.109643","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcsr.2025.109643","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The optimal design of Kiewit shell structures typically involves two key aspects: grid optimization and section optimization. However, traditional design software primarily designs member sections through finite element analysis and iterative optimization under predetermined grid conditions, making it difficult to achieve a global coupling between the grid form and section configuration. To address this limitation, this paper proposes an integrated design method assisted by deep learning. By setting an overall optimization objective, structural features are automatically extracted from a large database of design schemes, and the optimal grid along with its corresponding member sections is simultaneously selected. Initially, the paper introduces the core concepts of the proposed method, including the multi-feature embedding unit, the embedding encoding principle, and the overall framework of the single-layer spherical lattice shell design model. Subsequently, using an optimal grid selection technique, candidate structures with minimal steel consumption are identified under various design conditions, with spans ranging from 30 to 80 m. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, a comparative analysis with traditional PKPM software is conducted. Experimental results indicate that the deep learning-assisted integrated optimization method not only generates grid forms and section configurations that meet code requirements but also offers significant advantages in reducing steel consumption, enhancing material utilization, and improving design efficiency.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15557,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Constructional Steel Research","volume":"233 ","pages":"Article 109643"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144177951","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jiaqi Sun , Yue Geng , Haitang Yin , Charles K.S. Moy , Yuyin Wang
{"title":"Testing and analysis on out-of-plane buckling behavior of concrete-filled steel tubular arch","authors":"Jiaqi Sun , Yue Geng , Haitang Yin , Charles K.S. Moy , Yuyin Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.jcsr.2025.109652","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcsr.2025.109652","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Long-span concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) arches have gained widespread use due to their high strength, excellent seismic resistance, and ease of construction. However, long-span CFST arches are susceptible to out-of-plane buckling problem. In addition, experimental studies on out-of-plane buckling behavior of CFST arches remains limited. In that perspective, this study investigates the buckling behavior of a 9-m span CFST parabolic fixed arch. The arch has a circular cross-section and was subjected to uniformly distributed tilting loads. The effects of the residual stress on the buckling behavior of the composite arches were examined by building finite element models with solid elements. The influence of the confinement effects on the buckling response of the arches was then examined using models with simplified beam elements. It was found that the residual stress had limited effect on the buckling behavior of the arches. The confinement effect had insignificant influence on the buckling behavior of the arches with large slenderness ratios subjected to distributed tilting loads, while it became substantial for arches with low slenderness ratios. The model's accuracy was validated against the experimental data, and the comparative results demonstrated its capability to reliably predict the buckling behavior of CFST arches.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15557,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Constructional Steel Research","volume":"233 ","pages":"Article 109652"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144168117","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Qi An , Shilin Liu , Yan Wang , Xiujun Wang , Jie Ren
{"title":"Study on eccentric-compressive behavior of self-locking cooperative modular column","authors":"Qi An , Shilin Liu , Yan Wang , Xiujun Wang , Jie Ren","doi":"10.1016/j.jcsr.2025.109658","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcsr.2025.109658","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In order to solve the issue of ineffective synergetic force transfer between modular columns in existing modular steel building systems, this paper investigates the mechanical properties of an innovative self-locking cooperative modular columns (SLCMC) through eccentric compression experiment. This study analyzes critical mechanical characteristics, including failure modes, ultimate bearing capacity, and strain distribution. The results indicate that under eccentric loading, the self-locking dovetail inter-column connection (SLDICC) significantly improve the bearing capacity, ductility, and stiffness of the modular columns. Additionally, a finite element model of the self-locking cooperative modular column was developed and validated using experimental results. Using this finite element model, further analysis was conducted to explore factors influencing the mechanical performance of the self-locking cooperative modular columns, such as slenderness ratio and the positioning and quantity of SLDICC. The findings show that when the SLDICC are evenly distributed, their effect is maximized, leading to better performance of the modular columns. For a column group made up of four box-section modular columns, the most significant increase in bearing capacity occurs when SLDICC are introduced. However, once synergetic force transmission is achieved, further increasing the number of SLDICC has a diminishing impact on the bearing capacity. As the slenderness ratio of the columns increases, the role of the SLDICC becomes more pronounced, further enhancing the degree of cooperative load-bearing between the columns.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15557,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Constructional Steel Research","volume":"233 ","pages":"Article 109658"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144168118","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Enhancing seismic performance of ductile linked rocking steel frames: A parametric investigation","authors":"Fengzhi Wang , Zhenduo Yan , Yao Cui","doi":"10.1016/j.jcsr.2025.109665","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcsr.2025.109665","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In a Ductile Linked Rocking Frame (DLRF) system, the steel braced frames remain elastic, incorporating Rocking Column Bases (RCBs) with coupon-type fuses at the horizontal rocking interface to facilitate uplift and rocking. This system is further enhanced by Corrugated Steel Panel (CSP) links, which are positioned along the vertical rocking interface. These CSP links act as additional structural fuses, dissipating energy and accommodating relative vertical movements between adjacent steel braced frames. This paper presents a numerical study to examine the seismic response of a typical DLRF and assess the influence of two key design parameters, the Self-Centering ratio (SC) and the Coupling Ratio (CR), on seismic-induced forces and drifts. A total of 40 prototype buildings, including two heights (4-storey and 8-storey) and various configurations of RCBs and CSP links, are analyzed using nonlinear time-history analysis in OpenSees with 22 far-field ground motions. The results indicate that an optimized DLRF configuration, especially with SC values in the range of 0.6 to 0.9 and CR values in the range of 0.5 to 0.6, achieves a uniform inter-storey drift distribution and negligible residual drift, even under Maximum Considered Earthquake (MCE) shaking. Finally, an improved capacity design procedure for DLRFs is proposed, which incorporates both SC and CR to guide engineering design.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15557,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Constructional Steel Research","volume":"233 ","pages":"Article 109665"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144168116","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Seismic behaviour of stainless-clad bimetallic steel welded tubular T-joint","authors":"Xiaofeng Yang , Huiyong Ban , Yuanqing Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.jcsr.2025.109663","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcsr.2025.109663","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper investigated the seismic behaviour of stainless-clad (SC) bimetallic steel welded T-joints through experimental study and numerical simulation. Seven T-joint specimens were tested, and the influences of the welded section types, welding configurations between the chord and brace, steel grades, and the brace-to-chord width ratios were clarified through comparative research on the test phenomenon, failure modes, hysteretic behaviour, ductility, and energy dissipation. Besides, refined finite element (FE) models were established using simplified modelling approaches. Model verification and parameter analysis were conducted, focusing on parameters such as brace-to-chord width ratio, chord stress ratio, and plate clad ratio. Research showed that all specimens failed through weld fracture between the chord and brace, with only minor deformation observed in the chord walls; the joint moment resistance under cyclic loading ranged from 70 % to 85 % of that under monotonic loading, with corresponding rotation ratios of 0.5–0.6; these T-joints demonstrated excellent ductility and energy dissipation, with ductility indices exceeding 3.0 and energy dissipation coefficients ranging from 20 to 45; the lager brace-to-chord width ratio could result in the larger joint moment resistance and initial stiffness; the welded section types and welding configurations had negligible effects on seismic behaviour. Based on these findings, a restoring force model was developed to accurately represent the moment-rotation behaviour as well as to assist in the design of the SC bimetallic steel welded tubular T-joints.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15557,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Constructional Steel Research","volume":"233 ","pages":"Article 109663"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144155083","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jiulin Bai , Ji Yang , Tianlong Liang , Shuangshuang Jin
{"title":"Seismic performance of novel modular steel structural joint with shear key double-layer grouting connection","authors":"Jiulin Bai , Ji Yang , Tianlong Liang , Shuangshuang Jin","doi":"10.1016/j.jcsr.2025.109640","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcsr.2025.109640","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study develops a shear key double-layer grouting connection (SK-DGC) for modular steel structural joints, innovatively integrating beam-end cross-sectional optimization and asymmetric grouting control for corner, edge, and central column applications. Compared to traditional connection methods, the SK-DGC offers several advantages, including faster assembly efficiency, more allowable installation tolerance, non-invasive decoration preservation, and superior mechanical properties. Quasi-static tests were conducted on three full-scale T-shaped joints with varying structural forms, and the seismic performance of the joints was meticulously evaluated through parameters such as strength, stiffness, ductility, and energy dissipation capacity. The results indicate that the shear key double-layer grouting connection joints are classified as semi-rigid; the section forms of the beam end have little influence on the seismic performance of the joint; and asymmetric grouting connection can lead to unbalanced joint force. Subsequently, a finite element model was established to verify the test results. The analysis examined the effects of axial compression ratio, grouting strength grade, column wall thickness, large sleeve thicknesses, shear key size, and shear key spacing on the seismic performance of the novel joint. Finally, corresponding design recommendations are presented, providing a foundation to apply the novel shear key double-layer grouting connection in modular steel structures.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15557,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Constructional Steel Research","volume":"232 ","pages":"Article 109640"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144131078","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Study on the overall stability of real fire under suspendome structures","authors":"Hongbo Liu , Jianxiong Zhao , Liulu Guo , Zhihua Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.jcsr.2025.109653","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcsr.2025.109653","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Suspendome structures are commonly employed in large-span public buildings. Fire represents a prevalent hazard in structures, posing significant risks to public safety. This study introduced a comprehensive analytical approach for evaluating the overall stability performance of suspendome under fire. The thermodynamic response of a suspendome, with a span of 60 m and a span-ratio of 1/6, was analyzed under the central fire with a thermal power of 20 MW. The study investigated the overall stability performance of structures under fire, accounting for both the fire source and the structural geometric parameters. The theoretical calculation formulas of the ultimate capacity reduction coefficient in the fire process of the suspendome were presented. The study found that, under identical fire power, the overall stability of the structure was more significantly impacted by fire as the span of the structure increased and the span-ratio decreased. Furthermore, the higher the fire power and the more distance of the fire from the center, the more pronounced the effect on the stability of the suspendomes. The findings of this research offer a theoretical foundation for the selection of structural configurations and fire design strategies for suspendome structures.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15557,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Constructional Steel Research","volume":"232 ","pages":"Article 109653"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144131079","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yicheng Luo , Jun He , Naiwei Lu , Xinfeng Yin , Zitong Wang , Honghao Wang
{"title":"Stress intensity factor of double fatigue cracks at the rib-to-diaphragm connection in orthotropic steel decks","authors":"Yicheng Luo , Jun He , Naiwei Lu , Xinfeng Yin , Zitong Wang , Honghao Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.jcsr.2025.109660","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jcsr.2025.109660","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates the interaction behavior of double fatigue cracks in rib-to-diaphragm connections of orthotropic steel decks (OSDs) through numerical simulations. Finite element models were developed using ABAQUS and FRANC3D software to analyze Mode I stress intensity factors (SIFs) under vehicle loading conditions. The numerical findings demonstrate that when vehicle loads approach both mid-diaphragm sides, the SIF of initial cracks increases due to interaction with artificial penetrating cracks. The study introduces an interaction factor (λ) to quantify this crack interference (amplification or reduction) effect. Parametric analyses reveal that interaction effects intensify with decreasing diaphragm thickness and increasing crack length. At diaphragm cutouts, crack interaction becomes more significant as initial crack shape ratios approach unity, while at weld locations, this effect diminishes with similar shape ratios. The research further develops a hybrid computational approach combining backpropagation neural networks with particle swarm optimization (BP-PSO) to predict multi-crack SIF interaction factors. Validation shows the model achieves satisfactory prediction accuracy, offering practical value for fatigue crack assessment and repair strategies in OSD bridge connections. The proposed methodology and findings provide engineers with quantitative tools for evaluating crack interaction effects in actual orthotropic deck applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15557,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Constructional Steel Research","volume":"232 ","pages":"Article 109660"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144130791","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}