| The concern of adequate shear strength and stiffness of the joint panel zone in the seismic design of steel frame structures results in the need for a proper analytical tool to predict the seismic response of steel frames with inelastic joint deformation. The main objectives of this research are (i) to study the basic load-deformation characteristics of the joint panel zone under monotonic and cyclic loading, (ii) to search for a proper mathematical model to describe the joint behavior, (iii) to develop an analytical tool for seismic frame analysis with inelastic joint deformation, and (iv) to evaluate the seismic response of steel moment frames with inelastic joint deformation.;In order to analyze the cyclic behavior of the panel zone, a three-surface type model, which is capable of describing the cyclic behavior of A36 steel in shear, is developed based on test results and other models reported in the literature. A comparison of predicted and experimentally obtained stress-strain curves has shown good correlation.;Using the developed material model, cyclic panel zone behavior is investigated by using the finite element method. A mathematical model to describe the cyclic behavior of the panel zone is presented based on the results from the finite element analysis and test results. The joint model has been implemented in the inelastic dynamic program DRAIN-2D. Using the program, analyses have been performed on one ten-story and one twenty-story frame. Three different design criteria--the current AISC Allowable Stress Design, 1980 SEAOC Recommendations, and 1987 SEAOC Recommendations--are used to design the panel zones. (Abstract shortened with permission of author.);The monotonic behavior of the joint panel zone is studied by limit analysis as well as the finite element method. A parametric study is conducted by using the finite element method to study the major factors that influence the joint behavior. It is found that the column flanges and strain hardening of the panel are the two most important factors. Based on the analytical results and the available test results, a tri-linear mathematical model for describing the monotonic joint panel zone behavior is developed. Satisfactory agreement is found between the predicted and the test results. |
