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No / This paper presents the results of a simulation study of 10 fire tests on restrained steel beam–column assemblies using five different types of joints: fin plate, flexible endplate, flush endplate, web cleat and extended endplate. This paper will provide details of the simulation methodology for achieving numerical stability and faithful representation of detailed structural behaviour, and compare the simulation and experimental results, including joint failure modes, measured beam axial forces and beam mid-span deflections. Good agreement between ABAQUS simulations and experimental observations confirms that the finite element models developed through the ABAQUS/Standard solver are suitable for predicting the structural fire behaviour of restrained structural assemblies with realistic steel joints undergoing different phases of behaviour in fire, including restrained thermal expansion and catenary action in the beams. The validated model may be used to conduct numerical parametric studies to generate theoretical data to help develop detailed understanding of steel joint behaviour and their effects on robustness of steel framed structures in fire.

No / Based on temperatures measured in steel joints with different extents of fire protection, this paper proposes a simple method to calculate temperatures in steel joints with partial intumescent coating fire protection. The method combines the simple temperature calculation methods in EN 1993-1-2 (Committee of European Normalisation CEN, Eurocode 3: design of steel structures—part 1-2: general rules—structural fire design, 2005) for unprotected and protected steel structures through the introduction of an exposure factor, which is the ratio of the unprotected surface area of the joint region to the total surface area of the joint area. Using the measured temperatures for fully protected steel joints, this paper first extracts the effective thermal conductivity of the intumescent coating used in the fire tests. Afterwards, this paper presents validation results based on fire test results on joints with partial fire protection. Finally, this paper presents methods to calculate the exposure factor for different types of partially fire protected steel joints.

Using experimental data obtained from standard fracture test configurations, theoretical and numerical tools are developed to mathematically describe non-self-similar progression of cracks without specifying an initial crack. A cohesive-decohesive zone model, similar to the cohesive zone model known in the fracture mechanics literature as the Dugdale-Barenblatt model, is adopted to represent the degradation of the material ahead of the crack tip. This model unifies strength-based crack initiation and fracture-mechanics-based crack progression. The cohesive-decohesive zone model is implemented with an interfacial surface material that consists of an upper and a lower surface that are connected by a continuous distribution of normal and tangential nonlinear elastic springs that act to resist either Mode I opening, Mode II sliding, Mode III sliding, or a mixed mode. The initiation of fracture is determined by the interfacial strength and the progression of the crack is determined by the critical energy release rate. The adhesive is idealized with an interfacial surface material to predict interfacial fracture. The interfacial surface material is positioned within the bulk material to predict discrete cohesive cracks. The interfacial surface material is implemented through an interface element, which is incorporated in ABAQUS using the user defined element (UEL) option. A procedure is established to formulate a rate dependent model based on experiments carried out on compact tension test specimens. The rate dependent model is incorporated into the interface element approach to capture the unstable crack growth observed in experiments under quasi-static loading conditions. The compact tension test gives the variation of the fracture toughness with the rate of loading, this information is processed and a relationship between the fracture toughness and the rate of the opening displacement is established. The cohesive-decohesive zone model is implemented through a material model to be used in an explicit code (LS-DYNA). Dynamic simulations of the standard test configurations for Mode I (Double Cantilever Beam) and Mode II (End Load Split) are carried out using the explicit code. Verification of these coupon tests leads to the crash analysis of realistic structures like the square composite tube. Analyses of bonded and unbonded square tubes are presented. These tubes shows a very uncharacteristic failure mode: the composite material disintegrates on impact, and this has been captured in the analysis. Disadvantages of the interface element approach are well documented in the literature. An alternative method, known as the Extended Finite Element Method (XFEM), is implemented here through an eight-noded quadrilateral plane strain element. The method, based on the partition-of-unity, is used to study simple test configuration like the three-point bend problem and a double cantilever beam. Functionally graded materials are also simulated and the results are compared to the experimental results available in the literature. / Ph. D.

Although bond-normal stresses have been shown to be responsible for the failure of most laboratory adhesive joint geometries, the measurement of these stresses has been accomplished only through the use of very sophisticated optical techniques. In order to develop a more versatile measurement technique, poly(vinylidene fluoride) film was used to develop piezoelectric stress sensors. The sensitivities of the film to normal stresses in the three principal material directions of the orthotropic film were accurately measured using a charge amplifier and a storage oscilloscope. These measured sensitivities comprised the calibration constants of the film. In order to reduce the detrimental effect on bond strength caused by embedding the low surface energy film into adhesive bondlines, surface treatment methods were investigated using contact angle studies, XPS analysis and 1800 peel and tapered double cantilever beam adhesion specimens. An acid etch using a mixture of acetic, phosphoric and nitric acids was found to greatly improve the bond strengths to an epoxy adhesive without reducing the piezoelectric activity of the film. The bond-normal stresses in both the elastomeric butt joint and the single lap shear joint were measured using the developed stress sensors. Comparison of the measured stresses with calculated values obtained from closed-form analytical solutions and finite element analysis for the stresses was excellent. The piezoelectric sensors do have several important limitations. The piezoelectric activity of the film is lost at temperatures above 100°C (210°F). Also, the sensors are only sensitive to dynamic loads. Nonetheless, the sensors provide an accurate means of measuring peel stresses in many adhesive joints of practical interest. / Ph. D.

The objectives of this research were twofold: a) to define the relationship between tooth withdrawal and specific gravity for southern pine lumber and four different plate-to-wood load orientations, and b) to demonstrate how these relationships could be applied to new lumber grades to predict tooth withdrawal performance so that additional testing would not be necessary. The four orientations investigated were: a.) LRAA - plate axis parallel to load and wood grain parallel to load. b.) LREA - plate axis perpendicular to load and wood grain parallel to load. c.) LRAE - plate axis parallel to load and wood grain perpendicular to load. d.) LREE - plate axis perpendicular to load and wood grain perpendicular to load. For the LRAA, LREA, LRAE, LREE orientations, the following sample sizes were respectively: 27, 22, 27, and 29. Results showed specific gravity and embedment gap were excellent predictors of ultimate tooth withdrawal stress for the LRAA orientation. However, neither specific gravity nor percentage of latewood significantly influenced the location of tooth withdrawal. For the LREA orientation, specific gravity alone was a good predictor of ultimate tooth withdrawal stress. Furthermore, the side of the joint test specimen where tooth withdrawal initiated was dependent on the wood piece with the lowest mean specific gravity. For the LRAE orientation, specific gravity was a marginal predictor of ultimate tooth withdrawal stress. For the LREE orientation, specific gravity was a decent predictor of ultimate tooth-withdrawal stress. / Master of Science

To better understand the behavior of composite beams in buildings, push-out tests were conducted to study the behavior of welded shear studs. Forty-eight solid slab push-out tests were conducted to study how stud tensile strength and concrete properties affect the strength of shear connections. It is shown that raising the tensile strength of a shear connector actually has an adverse effect on the connector's performance and strength. It is also shown that the upper limit for shear strength used in the current AISC specification (Load 1993) is unconservative and a lower upper limit is proposed. Eighty-seven pushout tests utilizing steel deck were also conducted. It is shown how the placement, height, and arrangement of shear studs, as well as the height and gage of steel deck affects the strength of shear connections when stiffened steel deck is used. It is shown that the current AISC specification is unconservative and does not account for the many failure mechanisms associated with connections using steel deck. It is shown how tension within the stud shank, friction at the slab/beam interface, and steel deck strength affect the strength of shear connections. / Master of Science

PR-2930 was developed by PPG Industries, Inc. to meet the challenging performance requirements of MIL-PRF-32662 Group-I-classified adhesives. PR-2930 is a high-strength, high-toughness, epoxy-based adhesive intended for automotive and aerospace applications. As PR-2930 functions as a structural adhesive, quantification of its mechanical properties and limit-states is a necessary task for designing joints bonded with the adhesive. The combination of both strength and ductility results in material non-linearities, making experimental characterization and numerical analyses more challenging. This work explores the quantification of fracture energy for PR-2930 bonded joints. Fracture can occur in one of three different modes, or in some combination. Many practical adhesive joints fail in the mixed-mode region involving both opening (mode I) and shearing (mode II) displacements. Mode I fracture was evaluated with double cantilever beam (DCB) tests, mode II fracture was characterized by end-notched flexure (ENF) tests, and varying degrees of mixed mode I/II fracture were assessed through single leg bend (SLB), single-lap joint (SLJ), and asymmetric DCB and SLB tests. Test specimens were fabricated by bonding Al 2024-T3 adherends, ranging from 1.6 mm to 25.4 mm thick, with a 0.25 mm thick PR-2930 adhesive layer. Digital image correlation (DIC) was used to experimentally measure local displacements and surface strains on the adherends. Standard data-reduction methods often used to determine fracture energies of bonded joint specimens were used to numerically analyze test results. These methods included the Corrected Beam Theory (CBT), the Compliance-Based Beam Method (CBBM), and the Paris and Paris J-Integral approach. Linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) conditions must be valid to correctly apply these methods, however plastic deformations were observed in some adherends. Drawbacks of these approaches and their validity for analyzing PR-2930 joints were discussed. To account for non-linearities, more advanced numerical analysis was performed using finite element analysis (FEA) with cohesive zone models (CZMs) to model the adhesive layer. CZM parameters such as fracture energies and traction separation law (TSL) shapes were determined from experimental data and published literature. Results from CZMs were compared to experimental load, displacement, and strain data. Recommended TSLs for mode I and mode II fracture were formed in this work as well as a mixed-mode relationship using a Benzeggagh-Kenane damage evolution law. More ideal analytical methods were suggested to simplify analysis of joints using the same or similar material compositions. / M.S. / Structural adhesives are used to safely transmit loads in our furniture, automobiles, aircraft, and buildings. PR-2930 is a newly developed epoxy that exhibits top-of-the-line strength and ductility. To safely design joints utilizing PR-2930, the bonding material and its limit states must be defined. The most pertinent mechanical limit state for adhesively bonded joints is its resistance to fracture, also known as fracture toughness. Fracture often occurs due to a combination of opening (mode I) or shearing (mode II) displacements. In this work, standard and novel advanced fracture characterization techniques are employed and subsequently compared. Adhesive joints using a 0.25 mm layer thickness are bonded to Al 2024-T3 adherends varying from 1.6 mm to 25.4 mm of thickness and tested in quasistatic conditions. Mathematical models of mode I, mode II, and combined mode I/II stress displacement responses (AKA a traction-separation laws) of PR-2930 are developed and compared with experimental data. Future experimental and numerical methods for fracture analysis of structural adhesives are discussed.

A timber frame is a structural building system composed of heavy timber members connected using carpentry-style joinery that may include metal fasteners. A common variant of mortise-and-tenon joints are keyed (or wedged) through-tenon joints. No research on the behavior of wedged joints in timber frames is available. This research provides design knowledge of keyed through-tenon joints from experimental observations and comparisons between mathematical models and experimental measurement. Evaluation of through-tenon keyed mortise and tenon joints was performed by measuring tensile load and stiffness of white oak (Quercus alba) and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) joints with four- and 11-inch tenons with one and two keys and comparing these results to mathematical models developed from the National Design Specification of Wood Construction (NDS), General Dowel Equations for Calculating Lateral Connection Values (TR-12), and engineering mechanics. Variables included joint species (white oak or Douglas-fir), protruding tenon length (four or 11 inches), and number of keys (one or two). Joints were tested to ultimate load, then model input specimens were cut from tested joints and additional key stock to generate inputs for joint load predictions that were compared to experimental joint load results for validation. Forty joints were tested with white oak keys and six of these joints were retested with ipe (Tabebuia) keys. Joints with four-inch tenons behaved in a brittle manner with tenon failures. Most joints with 11-inch tenons behaved in a ductile manner with key bending and crushing failures. Joint load and stiffness was similar between white oak and Douglas-fir joints. Joints with 11-inch tenons had greater load and stiffness than with four-inch tenons. Joints with two keys had greater load and stiffness than joints with one key, after normalizing joint load and stiffness responses on key width. Joints retested with ipe keys had greater load than joints originally tested with white oak keys. Tenon relish (row tear-out) failure was predicted for all joints with four-inch tenons. Horizontal key shearing was predicted for all joints with 11-inch tenons. Ratios of predicted ultimate joint load divided by experimental ultimate joints load (calculated/tested) or C/T ratios were used to validate the models chosen for load prediction. C/T ratios showed that ultimate load model predictions over predicted joint load which was due to occurrence of unpredicted tenon failures and simultaneously occurring key failures where models predicted key failures independently. Design safety factors (DSFs) were developed by dividing experimental ultimate joint load by governing allowable (design) load predictions. C/T ratios and DSFs were most similar between white oak and Douglas-fir joints and most different between joints with one and two keys. Alternative design values (ADVs) were developed for comparison to design load predictions. Comparisons between ADVs and DSFs showed that model predictions were most conservative for joints fastened with denser keys than joint members. / Master of Science

An experimental investigation was conducted to study the behavior of snug tight ASTM A325 bolts in moment end-plate connections for use in single story buildings. Wind loading was deemed to be the critical loading on snug tight bolt, moment end-plate connections. A test loading sequence was established based on a statistical analysis of the 50-year wind loading on low rise buildings. Eleven specimens, representing six end-plate configurations, were tested under cyclic loading covering expected wind loads in the range of 33 to 100 percent of the connection design (allowable stress design) moment. Following the cyclic loading, the specimens were statically loaded to failure, and the experimental strengths were compared with predicted strengths for connections with fully tightened A325 bolts. Additionally, the effect of snug tight bolts on connection stiffness are considered. Finally, recommendations for the use of snug tight bolts in moment end-plate connections were provided. / Master of Science