A hysteretic connection element and its applications

A hysteretic connection element for the simulation of hysteretic responses of connections;is formulated and implemented in the non-linear finite eleme nt program DRAIN-3DX. In the formulation of the element, both stiffness-and -strength degradation and pinching are expressed as functions of damage sta te variables; meanwhile, damage is monitored and failure is detected by mea ns of a damage index. In the implementation of the element, an automatic ev ent definition algorithm is developed and an event-to-event solution scheme is followed. The element is applied to the simulation of hysteretic respon ses of unstiffened extended end plate connections, web panels, joints and f rame substructures subject to cyclic reversal loading. Simulations are in g ood agreement with experimental data in terms of load deformation relations hip, strength, stiffness, and energy dissipation. (C) 2000 Civil-Comp Ltd. and Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.