the richmond local arts museum is a vehicle to investigate a thesis concentrated on correcting the identity of a place that is lost in history. an intentional interruption to the "historic" context of richmond will transform the city. richmond's connection to the civil war will soon be diluted, as it will quickly gain recognition for its progressive actions, through the emergence of a new art and architecture. / Master of Architecture

<p> A research programme is presented for the analytical. evaluation of the deflections of Vierendeel trusses comprised of semi-rigid connections under panel feint loadings. The semi-rigid connections are made of two unequal width square ESS members welded at right angles. As the flexibility of the joints increases when the width ratio is less than 1.0, the joints are unable to develop the moment capacity of the web member and excessive deflections limit functional capability of the truss. Hence, several types of joint reinforcement are recommended. A yield line method is attempted to estimate the strength capacity of the joint with and without reinforcements. In addition, a plate analysis forms the basis for estimating elastic joint stiffness for evaluating anticipated deflections at mid span. </p> / Thesis / Master of Engineering (MEngr)

L’objectif de ce travail de thèse est de développer une approche analytique permettant de définir la charge ultime d’une poutre cellulaire à ouvertures sinusoïdales. En effet, l’évolution des techniques de production a permis le développement d’une nouvelle forme de poutre cellulaire munie d’ouvertures sinusoïdales : la poutre AngelinaTM. Cette nouvelle forme d’ouverture implique de nouveaux modes de ruine. De ce fait, en vue de développer un modèle de calcul analytique adapté à cette nouvelle forme d’ouverture, une campagne d’essais expérimentaux a été menée sur des poutres cellulaires à ouvertures sinusoïdales à grande échelle (≈10m). Au travers de ces études expérimentales sur trois configurations de poutre, nous avons montré que le principal mode de ruine est lié à la flexion Vierendeel. En effet, la flexion locale des membrures de l’ouverture la plus sollicitée engendre soit la formation de 4 rotules plastiques aux 4 coins de l’ouverture, soit l’instabilité locale des parois d’âme comprimées. Un modèle aux éléments finis a été développé sur le logiciel SAFIR afin d’analyser les différents modes de ruines observés. Ce modèle a été validé sur la base des résultats expérimentaux et nous a permis d’identifier deux points particuliers : d’une part l’existence d’un maintien rotationnel entre le montant intermédiaire et la paroi d’ouverture et d’autre part, la ruine de l’ouverture ne se produit qu’au travers d’un mécanisme combinant les ruines des différents quarts d’ouverture. Une seconde campagne d’études expérimentales et numériques a ensuite été menée sur des parties isolées, extraites des poutres préalablement testées, afin d’étudier de manière locale le comportement à la flexion des quarts d’ouverture. Ces études ont servi à valider un second modèle aux éléments finis, développé sur le logiciel Cast3m. Celui-ci nous a permis, au travers d’une étude paramétrique, de quantifier le maintien rotationnel apporté par le montant intermédiaire sur la paroi d’âme d’ouverture adjacente. Cette étude a confirmé l’importance de la rigidité apportée par le montant intermédiaire aux parois d’âme adjacente. Ainsi, cet apport de rigidité doit être pris en compte dans l’approche analytique pour définir de manière réaliste la résistance au voilement local des différentes parties d’une ouverture sinusoïdale. Finalement, cette thèse a abouti au développement d’un nouveau modèle analytique de calcul de la résistance ultime des parois d’une ouverture sinusoïdale. Du fait des éventuelles instabilités locales, le modèle analytique s’est appuyé sur des éléments théoriques de stabilité des plaques. De plus, une étude numérique détaillée du mécanisme de ruine d’une ouverture isolée nous a permis de justifier une approche cinématique de ruine de l’ouverture sinusoïdale. Cette approche combine les résistances ultimes des différents quarts d’ouverture. Le modèle analytique proposé permet de considérer à la fois la résistance ultime de chaque partie de l’ouverture et leurs modes de ruine. Une étude comparative avec des résultats numériques a montré que ce modèle est fiable et représentatif de la réalité pour caractériser l’état limite ultime des poutres cellulaires à ouvertures sinusoïdales. / The aim of this thesis is to develop an analytical approach so as to define the ultimate failure load of cellular beams with sinusoidal openings. Indeed, the evolution of the conception techniques led to the development of a new opening shape for cellular beams: the sinusoidal openings (AngelinaTM beam). This new opening shape involves new failure modes at ultimate limit state and cannot be calculated with existing methods. Thus, experimental tests have been carried out on full scale cellular beams with sinusoidal openings (≈10m span). It has been shown, through those experimental studies led on three beam configurations, that the main failure mode is linked to the Vierendeel mechanism. At ultimate limit state, the local bending of the members of the most stressed opening leads to either the formation of four plastic hinges or the local buckling of the compressed opening web panels. A finite element model has been developed on the software SAFIR in order to better understand the different observed failure modes. This model has been validated on the basis of the experimental results and allowed identifying two main points: firstly, the existence of a rotational restraint between the intermediate web-post and the opening web panel and secondly, the failure of the sinusoidal opening corresponds to a mechanism combining the failure of each opening quarters. A second experimental and numerical test campaign has been conducted on isolated parts of the previous tested beams, in order to study locally the behavior of the opening quarters under local bending. Those studies allowed validating a finite element model developed on Cast3m software. This model has been used for a parametrical study which allowed quantifying the rotational restraint supplied by the intermediate web-post on the adjacent opening panel. This study confirmed the importance of the stiffness supplied by the intermediate web-post to the opening panels. Thus, it has to be taken into account to get a representative analytical failure load of each opening quarter. Finally, this thesis led to the development of a new analytical model for the calculation of the ultimate strength of the different opening parts. Due to the possible local buckling, the model is based on theoretical elements on the stability of plates. Furthermore, a detailed numerical study of the mechanism of failure of an isolated opening allowed justifying a cinematic approach for the failure of the opening. This approach combines the ultimate strength of each opening parts. The proposed analytical model permits to consider each opening quarter failure mode and strength. A comparative study with finite element results has showed that this model is reliable and representative of reality for defining the ultimate limit state of cellular beams with sinusoidal openings.

La présente thèse vise à caractériser le comportement mécanique à la ruine de poutres métalliques avec ouvertures, de formes et de tailles variables, renforcées ou non par raidisseurs. L’étude s’intéresse à des poutres de dimensions réalistes et s’appuie sur une combinaison de différentes approches : essais, modèles éléments finis et modèles analytiques. Les raidisseurs sont généralement utilisés pour corriger certaines faiblesses au niveau du comportement mécanique autour des ouvertures. Autour des ouvertures rectangulaires, ces raidisseurs, disposés verticalement ou horizontalement, ont fait l’objet de peu d’études scientifiques publiées. Généralement, le comportement des poutres à ouvertures d’âmes est considéré comme étant similaire à celui d’une poutre échelle (ou poutre Vierendeel) chargée aux noeuds. Cette hypothèse permet de considérer que les membrures de l’ouverture sont soumises à un moment fléchissant local bi-triangulaire sur la longueur de l’ouverture. Cependant, la distribution du moment fléchissant, et de ses contraintes axiales, le long d’une membrure peut s’avérer être plus complexe et dépend de la forme de l’ouverture (rectangulaire, hexagonale, circulaire, sinusoïdale ou quelconque), de la position de l’ouverture le long de la poutre et enfin, du type de chargement (concentré ou uniformément réparti). Plusieurs études numériques et expérimentales ont déjà été menées sur les poutres à ouvertures d’âmes et ont permis de développer différentes approches analytiques en vue de décrire leurs comportements. Cependant, ces modèles montrent certaines imprécisions ou insuffisances pour différents types et dimensions d’ouvertures notamment les ouvertures rectangulaires. Les travaux présentés dans cette thèse font le point sur les principaux modèles existants de calcul de résistance des poutres avec ouvertures d’âmes. Ils présentent notamment leurs avantages et limites. Pour conforter les descriptions basées sur les analyses bibliographiques, une campagne expérimentale est réalisée pour valider un modèle éléments finis développé dans le cadre de l’étude. Les essais s’appuient sur des tronçons de poutres de dimensions réalistes avec différentes configurations d’ouvertures isolées renforcées ou non par des raidisseurs. Les mesures autour de l’ouverture utilisent des jauges de déformation pour analyser le profil des contraintes et son évolution, au cours du chargement, dans différentes sections critiques. Les essais sont menés jusqu’à la ruine qui s’est développée généralement par une combinaison de comportement élasto-plastique et d’instabilité locale autour des ouvertures. Certaines ruines se sont produites par rupture en traction-cisaillement de l’acier dans des zones critiques. Les analyses numériques et expérimentales ont permis d’étudier l’influence de différentes conditions sur la distribution des contraintes, notamment axiales, au sein d’une membrure d’ouverture, en vue d’évaluer son potentiel de voilement local qui reste un phénomène complexe à appréhender. Elles ont permis aussi de comprendre le fonctionnement mécanique des ouvertures renforcées par des raidisseurs de différentes dimensions et positions. L’étude paramétrique menée, en utilisant le modèle éléments finis validé par essai, a permis d’évaluer la pertinence des hypothèses retenues dans les approches analytiques existantes. Ces analyses ont permis aussi de proposer un modèle analytique tenant compte du comportement d’ouvertures isolées avec ou sans raidisseurs. / The present thesis aims to characterize the mechanical behavior to failure of steel beams with openings, with variable shapes and sizes, reinforced or not by stiffeners. The study considers beams of realistic dimensions and combines different approaches: tests, finite element models and analytical models. The stiffeners are generally used to improve some weaknesses in the mechanical behavior around the openings. Around rectangular openings, these stiffeners, in vertical or horizontal arrangements, have been the subject of limited number of scientific publications. In general, the behavior of beams with web openings is considered similar to that of Vierendeel beams with loads applied at the nodes. This hypothesis allows to consider that each frame around the opening is characterized by a bi-triangular local bending moment along the frame elements. In fact, the bending moment distribution, and their resultant axial stresses, along a frame can be more complex and depends on the shape of the opening (rectangular, hexagonal, circular, sinusoidal or any), the position of the opening along the beam and finally, the type of loading (concentrated or uniformly distributed). Several numerical and experimental studies have been conducted on the beams with web openings and different analytical approaches have been developed to describe and predict the behavior of these beams. However, these models show some inaccuracies or inadequacies depending on the types and dimensions of openings including rectangular openings. The work presented in this thesis examines the main existing models predicting the resistance for beams with web openings. It shows their advantages and limits based on the existing but limited results. To obtain additional and specific results to be used in the comparisons and to validate a finite element model developed within the framework of the study, an experimental campaign is carried out. The tests are focused on beams of real dimensions with different configurations of isolated openings reinforced or not by stiffeners. The measurements around the opening use strain gauges to analyze the stress profile and its evolution, during loading, in different critical sections. The tests are carried out until failure generally characterized by a combination of elastic-plastic behavior and local instability around openings. Some final failures occurred by tensile-shear fracture of steel in some critical zones. Numerical and experimental analyzes are performed to study the influence of various conditions on the stresses distributions, in particular axial stresses, within the frames around the openings. The stress distribution is mainly observed to evaluate the local buckling potential that remains a complex phenomenon difficult to predict. The results are also analyzed to understand the mechanical behavior of the openings reinforced by stiffeners of different dimensions and positions. The parametric study conducted using the validated finite element model allows evaluating the relevance of the assumptions considered in the existing analytical approaches. These analyzes made it possible to propose an analytical model taking into-account the behavior of isolated openings with or without stiffeners.

[pt] As vigas casteladas estão sujeitas aos modos de falha devido a plastificação (plastificação do tê e mecanismo de Vierendeel) e flambagem (flambagem do montante da alma e flambagem do tê). O tê é a parte da seção transversal na localização da abertura e o montante da alma a região entre duas aberturas adjacentes. Esses modos de falha são tratados no manual do AISC (Design Guide 31) de vigas casteladas como modos individuais. Nesse manual, os esforços locais no tê são calculados através de uma analogia com a viga Vierendeel e a interação entre os modos de falha nessa região são considerados a partir de uma equação de interação. Embora estas verificações estejam coerentes, esse dimensionamento pode ser demasiadamente conservador por não considerar outros fatores como, por exemplo, a resistência pós-crítica. Todavia, estes fatores só podem ser considerados a partir de análises não lineares incluindo a não linearidade do material, não linearidade geométrica e imperfeição geométrica inicial. O presente trabalho tem por objetivo investigar os modos de falha das vigas casteladas do tipo Litzka travadas ao longo do comprimento, descartando assim, modos de falha por flambagem lateral com torção, usando o método dos elementos finitos. Neste trabalho, são avaliadas a influência da interação entre os elementos constituintes da seção transversal (isto é, mesa e alma), a interação entre modos de falha individuais e a reserva de resistência pós-crítica. Foi desenvolvida uma equação semi-analítica relacionando os parâmetros não dimensionais da seção transversal e a razão momento/cortante. Desse modo, foi possível classificar uma dada viga castelada, com geometria e carregamento, quanto ao seu comportamento dominado pela flexão (viga longa) ou pelo cisalhamento (viga curta). Em conjunto com uma esbeltez não dimensional (dependendo da carga crítica e da carga de plastificação) inspirada no Método da Resistência Direta. A partir destes parâmetros foi possível definir um mapa, que permitiu ordenar os modos de falha em regiões predeterminadas. Finalmente, foi realizado um estudo paramétrico, variando a geometria da viga castelada e considerando diferentes razões momento/cortante. Com base nesses resultados foi proposta uma equação do tipo Winter para obter a capacidade a flexão e ao cisalhamento de vigas casteladas com geometrias usuais. / [en] Castellated beams may experience failure modes associated to plastification (plastification of the tee section and Vierendeel mechanism) and buckling (webpost buckling and tee torsional buckling). The term tee is used to refer to the section described by the portion of the web and the flange where there is an opening and web-post is the portion of the section between two adjacent openings. The AISC design Guide 31 addresses each of these modes separately. There, the local forces in the tee section are calculated by an analogy to a Vierendeel beam and the interaction between the failure modes in the tee section is accounted for by an interaction equation. Although this methodology is consistent, it can be excessively conservative because it does not account for other factors, such as, the post-buckling resistance. However, these factors can only be assessed when nonlinear simulations including both material and geometry nonlinearities and initial imperfection are considered. The present work aims to investigate the failure modes of laterally braced Litzca-type castellated beam using the finite element method. In this work, aspects such as mutual influence of the constituent parts to the behavior (i.e., flange and web), interaction of individual modes and post-buckling reserve of strength were evaluated. A semi analytical equation based on geometrical non dimensional parameters and on the ratio of moment and shear load was developed. This way, a given castellated beam could be classified by its geometry and load in relation to the flexure (long beam) or shear behavior (short beam). In addition, together with a non-dimensional slenderness (depending on the plastic and buckling loads) inspired in the Direct Strength Method, a map was created that allowed the organization of the failure modes in pre-defined regions. Finally, a parametric study was carried out varying the geometry of the castellated beam and considering different ratios of moment to shear loads. Based on these results, a Winter-type equation was proposed to assess the load capacity of beams with typical geometries.

L'objectif de ce travail de thèse est de développer une approche analytique permettant de définir la charge ultime d'une poutre cellulaire à ouvertures sinusoïdales. En effet, l'évolution des techniques de production a permis le développement d'une nouvelle forme de poutre cellulaire munie d'ouvertures sinusoïdales : la poutre AngelinaTM. Cette nouvelle forme d'ouverture implique de nouveaux modes de ruine. De ce fait, en vue de développer un modèle de calcul analytique adapté à cette nouvelle forme d'ouverture, une campagne d'essais expérimentaux a été menée sur des poutres cellulaires à ouvertures sinusoïdales à grande échelle (≈10m). Au travers de ces études expérimentales sur trois configurations de poutre, nous avons montré que le principal mode de ruine est lié à la flexion Vierendeel. En effet, la flexion locale des membrures de l'ouverture la plus sollicitée engendre soit la formation de 4 rotules plastiques aux 4 coins de l'ouverture, soit l'instabilité locale des parois d'âme comprimées. Un modèle aux éléments finis a été développé sur le logiciel SAFIR afin d'analyser les différents modes de ruines observés. Ce modèle a été validé sur la base des résultats expérimentaux et nous a permis d'identifier deux points particuliers : d'une part l'existence d'un maintien rotationnel entre le montant intermédiaire et la paroi d'ouverture et d'autre part, la ruine de l'ouverture ne se produit qu'au travers d'un mécanisme combinant les ruines des différents quarts d'ouverture. Une seconde campagne d'études expérimentales et numériques a ensuite été menée sur des parties isolées, extraites des poutres préalablement testées, afin d'étudier de manière locale le comportement à la flexion des quarts d'ouverture. Ces études ont servi à valider un second modèle aux éléments finis, développé sur le logiciel Cast3m. Celui-ci nous a permis, au travers d'une étude paramétrique, de quantifier le maintien rotationnel apporté par le montant intermédiaire sur la paroi d'âme d'ouverture adjacente. Cette étude a confirmé l'importance de la rigidité apportée par le montant intermédiaire aux parois d'âme adjacente. Ainsi, cet apport de rigidité doit être pris en compte dans l'approche analytique pour définir de manière réaliste la résistance au voilement local des différentes parties d'une ouverture sinusoïdale. Finalement, cette thèse a abouti au développement d'un nouveau modèle analytique de calcul de la résistance ultime des parois d'une ouverture sinusoïdale. Du fait des éventuelles instabilités locales, le modèle analytique s'est appuyé sur des éléments théoriques de stabilité des plaques. De plus, une étude numérique détaillée du mécanisme de ruine d'une ouverture isolée nous a permis de justifier une approche cinématique de ruine de l'ouverture sinusoïdale. Cette approche combine les résistances ultimes des différents quarts d'ouverture. Le modèle analytique proposé permet de considérer à la fois la résistance ultime de chaque partie de l'ouverture et leurs modes de ruine. Une étude comparative avec des résultats numériques a montré que ce modèle est fiable et représentatif de la réalité pour caractériser l'état limite ultime des poutres cellulaires à ouvertures sinusoïdales.

Limitações de altura são frequentemente impostas à edificações de múltiplos pavimentos por regulamentos de zoneamento urbano, aspectos econômicos e considerações estéticas. Um pé-direito alto é normalmente requerido para se permitir a passagem de tubulações e dutos de grande diâmetro sob vigas de aço, conduzindo muitas vezes à alturas inaceitáveis entre pavimentos de edificações. Várias são as soluções possíveis para se resolver tal inconveniência, dentre elas pode-se citar: Vigas com inércia variável, stub girders , treliças mistas e vigas misuladas. Outra solução frequentemente utilizada é a abertura de furos na alma das vigas d e aço para a passagem das tubulações de serviço. A presente dissertação tem por objetivo avaliar e descrever o comportamento estrutural de vigas de aço com aberturas de diferentes tamanhos e formas na alma. Outro propósito deste trabalho de pesquisa é a avaliação dos parâmetros que influenciam diretamente a capacidade de resistência das vigas com diferentes tipos de abertura na alma, tais como: Tipo de furo, localização do furo ao longo do vão, altura do furo em relação à altura do perfil, esbeltez da alma, localização da carga solicitante ao longo do vão, entre outros. Também é objetivo deste trabalho, a avaliação dos diferentes mecanismos de ruína para as vigas com aberturas na alma e as causas que conduziram o colapso das mesmas. Finalmente, apresenta-se um estudo da eficácia de enrijecedores longitudinais nos locais de abertura da alma das vigas de aço. A metodologia empregada para tal estudo baseou-se em uma análise paramétrica com o auxílio do método numérico dos elementos finitos. / Height limitations are frequent in multi-storey buildings due to zoning regulations, economic requirements and esthetical considerations . In order to provide the passage of large pipes and ducts beneath steel beams, huge spaces are normally required, leading many times to unacceptable heights between storeys. There are many possible solutions to solve these problems, such as: Tapered beams, stub girders, composite trusses and haunched beams. Another frequent solution is the opening of holes in the web beam steel to enable the passage of the services. This dissertation has the objective of evaluating and describing the structural behavior of steel beams with web openings of different shapes and sizes. Another aim of this research work is the evaluation of the parameters that directly influence the load carry capacity of the beams with different web openings, such as: Holesh ape, the location of the opening throughout the span, the height hole to height profile ratio, the web slenderness and the location of the load point throughout the span. The evaluation of the different failure mechanisms of steel beams with web openings and the reasons that conducted the collapse of them are also focused on the present work. Finally, a study of the efficiency of the use of longitudinal stiffeners at web openings locations is also presented. The methodology employed for such study was based on a parametric analysis based on the finite elements method.

Limitações de altura são frequentemente impostas à edificações de múltiplos pavimentos por regulamentos de zoneamento urbano, aspectos econômicos e considerações estéticas. Um pé-direito alto é normalmente requerido para se permitir a passagem de tubulações e dutos de grande diâmetro sob vigas de aço, conduzindo muitas vezes à alturas inaceitáveis entre pavimentos de edificações. Várias são as soluções possíveis para se resolver tal inconveniência, dentre elas pode-se citar: Vigas com inércia variável, stub girders , treliças mistas e vigas misuladas. Outra solução frequentemente utilizada é a abertura de furos na alma das vigas d e aço para a passagem das tubulações de serviço. A presente dissertação tem por objetivo avaliar e descrever o comportamento estrutural de vigas de aço com aberturas de diferentes tamanhos e formas na alma. Outro propósito deste trabalho de pesquisa é a avaliação dos parâmetros que influenciam diretamente a capacidade de resistência das vigas com diferentes tipos de abertura na alma, tais como: Tipo de furo, localização do furo ao longo do vão, altura do furo em relação à altura do perfil, esbeltez da alma, localização da carga solicitante ao longo do vão, entre outros. Também é objetivo deste trabalho, a avaliação dos diferentes mecanismos de ruína para as vigas com aberturas na alma e as causas que conduziram o colapso das mesmas. Finalmente, apresenta-se um estudo da eficácia de enrijecedores longitudinais nos locais de abertura da alma das vigas de aço. A metodologia empregada para tal estudo baseou-se em uma análise paramétrica com o auxílio do método numérico dos elementos finitos. / Height limitations are frequent in multi-storey buildings due to zoning regulations, economic requirements and esthetical considerations . In order to provide the passage of large pipes and ducts beneath steel beams, huge spaces are normally required, leading many times to unacceptable heights between storeys. There are many possible solutions to solve these problems, such as: Tapered beams, stub girders, composite trusses and haunched beams. Another frequent solution is the opening of holes in the web beam steel to enable the passage of the services. This dissertation has the objective of evaluating and describing the structural behavior of steel beams with web openings of different shapes and sizes. Another aim of this research work is the evaluation of the parameters that directly influence the load carry capacity of the beams with different web openings, such as: Holesh ape, the location of the opening throughout the span, the height hole to height profile ratio, the web slenderness and the location of the load point throughout the span. The evaluation of the different failure mechanisms of steel beams with web openings and the reasons that conducted the collapse of them are also focused on the present work. Finally, a study of the efficiency of the use of longitudinal stiffeners at web openings locations is also presented. The methodology employed for such study was based on a parametric analysis based on the finite elements method.

An experimental program was developed to test various unreinforced RHS-to-RHS 90° T-connections subject to branch in-plane bending moment with the objective of determining the effectiveness of the welded joint. Twelve unique test specimens were designed to be weld-critical and the results from the full-scale tests revealed that the current equation for the effective elastic section modulus for in-plane bending, S_ip, given in Table K4.1 of ANSI/AISC 360 (2010) is conservative. A modification to the current requirements that limit the effective width of the transverse weld elements is proposed, resulting in a safe and more economical weld design method for RHS-to-RHS T-, Y- and X- connections subject to branch axial load or bending moment. It is also concluded that the fillet weld directional strength enhancement factor, (1.00 + 0.50sin1.5Ө), should not be used for strength calculations of welded joints to square and rectangular hollow structural sections.

An experimental program was developed to test various unreinforced RHS-to-RHS 90° T-connections subject to branch in-plane bending moment with the objective of determining the effectiveness of the welded joint. Twelve unique test specimens were designed to be weld-critical and the results from the full-scale tests revealed that the current equation for the effective elastic section modulus for in-plane bending, S_ip, given in Table K4.1 of ANSI/AISC 360 (2010) is conservative. A modification to the current requirements that limit the effective width of the transverse weld elements is proposed, resulting in a safe and more economical weld design method for RHS-to-RHS T-, Y- and X- connections subject to branch axial load or bending moment. It is also concluded that the fillet weld directional strength enhancement factor, (1.00 + 0.50sin1.5Ө), should not be used for strength calculations of welded joints to square and rectangular hollow structural sections.