Effects of bolt-hole clearance on seismic performance of column-tree moment resisting frames with reduced beam section

Rasoul Gharebaghi¹ Abdollah Hosseini²

1) Student of structural engineering, University of Tehran,
2) Assistant professor, College of Civil Engineering, University of Tehran,

Publication : 3rd International Congress On Civil Engineering, Architecture & Urban Development(3icsau.ir)
Abstract :
Manufacturing tolerances and field situation cause inappropriate positioning of bolts in their corresponding holes in bolted connections. In order to overcome this problem, bolt-hole diameter increases by incorrect methods like acetylene gas cutting method in the field. In this paper, effects of bolt-hole clearance on seismic performance of column-tree moment resisting frames (MRFs) with reduced beam section as an example of bolted connections were investigated. Column-tree models with reduced beam section and various bolt-hole clearances in connection subjected to cyclic loading were analyzed using finite element method and their hysteresis curves are compared. Results show that increase in bolt-hole clearance causes reduction in the flexural capacity of the connection and increase the interstory drift angle of the maximum bearing moment.
Keywords : Bolt-hole clearance MRF Seismic performance