Frequently in the engineering design economy is sacrificed because of a lack or knowledge of the behavior of the structure. Because of the lack of information on the restraint values of beam-column connections, the beam is often over designed by failing to take advantage of partial continuity. If the degree of restraint of a beam-column connection can be determined, the optimum beam moment can be derived and then an optimum or economic beam can be designed. This thesis is mainly concerned with the effective analysis and design of a particular type of semi-rigid connection between longspan joists and columns. It is also an attempt to establish a correct technique for testing full size longspan joists and column connections. Although not commonly utilized in industry, in which longspan joists most frequently are used as simple-supported beams, the longspan joists have a degree of negative moment capacity. If this negative moment capacity can be utilized, a more efficient and economical building frame can be obtained. This thesis is also an attempt to analyze and determine the magnitude of the desired negative moment capacity of four representative longspan joists. A proposed semi-rigid connection based on this negative moment capacity is designed. Then the full size representative longspan joists are assembled by the semi-rigid connections to the full size representative columns. The four test sections were fabricated and tested by the author in the Engineering Mechanic Laboratory at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute. The tests indicated that the proposed connections vere quite satisfactory. / Master of Science

For decades engineers have been concerned with finding ways to reduce the dead load of a buildings structural system. This thesis investigates the potential of reducing the dead load of a structure by creating new lighter-weight floor systems using various configurations of mixed materials. Floor systems have a/ways been one of the heaviest components of a buildings structural system, and therefore comprise a significant portion of the structures dead load. As a result, by developing a substantially lighter-weight floor system it should be possible to reduce the entire weight of a buildings structural system, from the framing members down to the foundations. This paper presents some alternatives that might be considered in designing these lightweight floors. / Master of Science

In this study, connection classification system is developed on the basis of previous classifications. Further, flexible connections are modeled by matrix displacement method. The effect of flexible connections are studied on gable frames. Firstly, flush end-plate connections with single row of bolts at the tension flange, are classified. The classification system was developed in this study. End plate connections whose moment-rotation curves are known arc classified on the basis of moments as FR (fully restrained) and PR (partially restrained) connections. Further, the connections are also classified by entering a plot with coordinates - Ratio of Moment at the connection and plastic moment and ratio of corresponding rotation and rotation at plastic moment. Depending on the location the connection can be classified. Secondly, for connections, the rotational stiffness is determined from the moment rotation curves and used in the computer code to implement flexible connections. The effect is studied on gable frames. For the loading and frame used there is not much variation in moments at the flexible joints due to connection flexibility and hence flush end plate connections can be used in gable frames effectively / Master of Science

Thesis (MScEng (Civil Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / Adequate member design is a vital part of structural design. Current design software automates the design process by making use of the finite element model to create a design model. Although this is time effective, the engineer has limited control over the factors and procedures that are used for design. This leads to a lack of confidence in the eventual design results.

Thesis (MScEng)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Connections are a vitally important part of any structural framework. Thisstatement may seem obvious, yet it is surprisinghow often insufficient attention is given to the design of this essential aspect of steelwork projects. This thesis concentrates on developing a specification for designing steel connections with the main emphasis on the practical and economical design of typical connections. The design methods of the specification are developed according to the new South African design code which is currently in draft form, namely SANS10162:Code of Practice for the Structural Use of Steel: Part 1: Limit States Design of hot-rolled steelwork - 2002. An object-oriented framework and associated graphical user interface for designing the connections are developed and implemented. The primary objectives of the implemented framework are: • Being generic in the sensethat it allows for easy addition of additional connection types, • To implement the design paradigm of the South African code, without fixing specific parameter values programmatically in the implementation and • To build on an existing architecture that allows for structural analysis,structural steel member design and distributed collaboration in the design process. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Verbindings vorm In uiters belangrike deel van enige staal struktuur. Alhoewel hierdie stelling dalk vanselfsprekend mag wees, is dit egter verbasend hoe selde voldoende aandag aan die ontwerp van hierdie essensiëleaspek van staalwerk projekte gegee word. Hierdie tesis konsentreer op die ontwikkeling van In spesifikasievir die ontwerp van staal verbindings met die oog op praktiese en ekonomiese ontwerp van tipiese verbindings. Hierdie ontwerpmetodes isgebasseer op die nuwe Suid Afrikaanse ontwerpkode wat tans in proef-vorm is, naamlik SANS 10162: Gebruikskode vir Stoa/bouwerk: Dee/I: Grenstoestandontwerp vir warmgewa/ste staa/werk - 2002. In Objek orienteerde raamwerk en In geassosieerde grafiese gebruikerskoppelvlak word ontwikkel en geimplimenteer. Die primêre mikpunte van hierdie geimplimenteerde raamwerk is: • Om generies te wees in die sin dat dit die byvoeging van addisionele verbinding tipes toelaat, • Om die paradigma van die Suid Afrikaanse kode te implimenteer sonder om enige waardes van spesifieke parameters programmaties vas te lê, en • Om dit op In bestaande argitektuur te bou wat strukturele analise, strukturele ontwerp en verspreide samewerking in die ontwerpproses toelaat.

Thesis. 1976. M.S.--Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Civil Engineering. / Microfiche copy available in Archives and Engineering. / Includes bibliographical references. / M.S.

The analysis and design of bracing systems for complex frame geometries typically found in metal buildings can prove to be an arduous task given current methods. The American Institute of Steel Construction's Appendix 6 from the 2010 Specification for Structural Steel Buildings affords engineers a means for determining brace strength and stiffness requirements, but only for the most basic cases. Specifically, there are a number of aspects of metal building systems that place their designs outside the scope of AISC's Appendix 6 (Stability Bracing for Columns and Beams). Some of the aspects not considered by Appendix 6 include: the use of web-tapered members, the potential for unequally spaced or unequal stiffness bracing, combination of bracing types including panel and flange diagonal bracing, and the effects of continuity across brace points. In this research, an inelastic eigenvalue buckling procedure is developed for calculation of the ideal bracing stiffness demands in general framing systems. Additionally, the software provides a method of calculating the elastic lateral-torsional buckling load of members with generally stepped and tapered cross-sections, which satisfies an important need for rigorous design assessment. Extensive benchmarking to load-deflection simulations of geometrically imperfect systems is performed and recommendations are developed for determining the required design stiffness and strength of the bracing components based on the use of this type of computational tool.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Lehigh University, 2003. / In three parts. Includes vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 770-775).

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