Non-linear Behavior and Design of Steel Structures

A special issue of Buildings (ISSN 2075-5309). This special issue belongs to the section "Building Structures".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2025 | Viewed by 14459

Special Issue Editors

School of Civil Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
Interests: computational structural engineering; structural stability; non-linear structural design method; intelligent construction

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Guest Editor
School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211102, China
Interests: direct analysis of steel structures; structure stability; finite element method; computational mechanics; engineering mechanics

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Guest Editor
NIDA Technology Co., Ltd., Hong Kong 999077, China
Interests: finite element; second-order direct analysis; structural stability; steel and composite structures; flexible barrier system; seismic design

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Modern steel structures with aesthetic geometry and high-strength materials are rapidly proliferating. The influence of non-linear structural behaviors is becoming the predominant problem in the design of these structures. The conventional design method, based on linear analysis with many simplified design assumptions, can lead to either conservative or unsafe design. To this end, there is an urgent need to develop and promote advanced analysis and design methods for steel structures, with consideration for the various buckling failure modes, initial imperfection, joint stiffness, and so on, in the non-linear analysis process rather than in the design stage. The second-order analysis accounting for non-linear effects would provide a better solution in terms of structural safety, cost efficiency, fabrication and construction.

This Special Issue aims to seek and promote the latest advances in analysis and design approaches for steel structures. The theme is broad and open in scope, covering all aspects of structural engineering. High-quality and original research papers relating to stability, connection, testing, non-linear analysis, design, and construction method are welcomed.

This Special Issue will make a valuable contribution to advancing our understanding of the behavior of steel structures. The Guest Editorial team warmly invites you to submit your original papers for potential inclusion in this Special Issue “Non-linear Behavior and Design of Steel Structures”.

Dr. Rui Bai
Dr. Yi-Qun Tang
Dr. Yao-Peng Liu
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • steel structures
  • steel and composite structures
  • cold-formed steel structures
  • modular structures
  • stability design
  • buckling
  • second-order joint behavior

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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23 pages, 3420 KiB  
Article
Non-Linear Behaviour and Analysis of Innovative Suspension Steel Roof Structures
by Algirdas Juozapaitis, Alfonsas Daniūnas and Leonas Ustinovichius
Buildings 2024, 14(3), 661; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14030661 - 1 Mar 2024
Viewed by 966
Abstract
Suspension structures are one of the most effective roof load-bearing structures for medium to long spans. Their shape under symmetric loads is usually a square parabola or a curve close to it. The biggest drawback of such structures is their increased deformability under [...] Read more.
Suspension structures are one of the most effective roof load-bearing structures for medium to long spans. Their shape under symmetric loads is usually a square parabola or a curve close to it. The biggest drawback of such structures is their increased deformability under asymmetric loads. So-called rigid cables are used to solve this problem. However, the production of such rigid cables with a curvilinear shape is complicated, and their maintenance also has drawbacks due to the above-mentioned shape. To avoid these shortcomings, straight-line suspension structures have been used. This paper proposes a new form of combined suspension roof structures consisting of main load-bearing straight suspension elements supported by cable struts. For the main suspension elements, the bending stiffness is accepted, taking into account the operational requirements of the structure. This article analyses the behaviour of such a combined suspension structural system in symmetric conditions with an innovative approach. The arrangements of this system are discussed. The calculation of the forces and displacements of this structure and its elements is presented, taking into account the geometrical nonlinear behaviour. The distribution of the forces in the rigid elements and node displacements of the structure are discussed. The proposed new form of a combined cable-supported roof structure was shown to be more effective in terms of weight than the standard parabolic-shaped suspension structure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-linear Behavior and Design of Steel Structures)
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18 pages, 5362 KiB  
Article
Wind-Induced Vibration Analysis of a Pentagonal Three–Four Strut Hybrid Open-Type Cable Dome
by Hui Lv, Dewang Liu, Lian Shao, Yaopeng Liu, Zhongyi Zhu, Shilin Dong and Yanfen Zhong
Buildings 2024, 14(2), 461; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14020461 - 7 Feb 2024
Viewed by 929
Abstract
Previous research has confirmed that the newly proposed pentagonal three–four strut hybrid cable dome exhibits superior static performance compared to traditional cable domes, though its dynamic characteristics still require further study. Cable domes are wind-sensitive structures, and the results of a wind-induced vibration [...] Read more.
Previous research has confirmed that the newly proposed pentagonal three–four strut hybrid cable dome exhibits superior static performance compared to traditional cable domes, though its dynamic characteristics still require further study. Cable domes are wind-sensitive structures, and the results of a wind-induced vibration analysis are beneficial for the selection and construction of cable domes. In this study, a finite element model of a new open-type cable dome with a span of 120 m is established. The MATLAB 2017a programming language is employed to simulate pulsating winds, followed by a nonlinear dynamic analysis to analyze the wind-induced vibrations of the structure. The reliability of the pulsating wind model is confirmed by comparing the simulated spectrum with the target spectrum. Moreover, a wind-induced vibration time history analysis is performed to obtain the node displacement and internal force of components wind vibration coefficients, aiding in the approximation of pulsating winds with average winds in a wind-resistant design. Furthermore, a parametric analysis is carried out, ranking nodes and components based on sensitivity. The result shows that the structure exhibits the strongest wind resistance when the rise–span ratio is f/l=0.07 and the thickness–span ratio is h/l=0.08. Notably, the outer upper chord node, 2a, and the inner lower chord hoop cable, H1, are identified as the most sensitive node and component within the structure, respectively. Overall, the structure demonstrates excellent wind resistance performance, and the maximum wind vibration coefficient value remains below 3. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-linear Behavior and Design of Steel Structures)
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16 pages, 4604 KiB  
Article
Two Stochastic Methods to Model Initial Geometrical Imperfections of Steel Frame Structures
by Daniel Jindra, Zdeněk Kala and Jiří Kala
Buildings 2024, 14(1), 196; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14010196 - 12 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1660
Abstract
The stochastic modeling of geometrically imperfect steel frame structures requires statistical inputs for imperfection parameters, often with specific mutual correlations. The stochastic input values of geometrical imperfections are derived from European Standard EN 1090-2:2018 tolerance criteria. Two advanced stochastic methods, #RSS (random storey [...] Read more.
The stochastic modeling of geometrically imperfect steel frame structures requires statistical inputs for imperfection parameters, often with specific mutual correlations. The stochastic input values of geometrical imperfections are derived from European Standard EN 1090-2:2018 tolerance criteria. Two advanced stochastic methods, #RSS (random storey sway) and #RSP (random storey position), are developed based on these criteria. This paper presents a verification study, using random sampling simulations, for these two stochastic methods (#RSS and #RSP) to directly model the initial global geometrical imperfections of steel frame structures. The proposed methods have been verified for structures with equidistant storey heights and for those comprising up to 24 storeys, making them applicable to a wide range standard steel frame structures. It has been found that the performance of the #RSS method is satisfactory. An advantage of #RSS is that the random parameters are statistically independent. On the other hand, the #RSP method requires the definition of these mutual correlations in order to satisfy the criterion that 95 percent of random realizations of initial imperfections fall within the tolerance limits of the corresponding European Standard. The #RSP method, however, might have certain advantages for structures with a larger number of storeys (above 24), as closely discussed in this study. Additionally, this study provides useful provisions for the advanced numerical analyses of multi-storey steel frames of various geometries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-linear Behavior and Design of Steel Structures)
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21 pages, 9651 KiB  
Article
Experimental Study on the Flexural Performance of Composite Beams with Corrugated Steel Webs under the Coupled Effect of Chloride Ion Erosion and Sustained Load
by Qiang Xu, Jian Wang, Zengshun Tian, Jianyong Song and Bo Chen
Buildings 2023, 13(10), 2611; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13102611 - 16 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1065
Abstract
The steel corrosion of composite beams with corrugated steel webs (CBCSWs) is prone to occur in a chloride environment, and the load can change the rate of steel corrosion, thereby affecting the degradation of the mechanical properties of CBCSWs. In this paper, the [...] Read more.
The steel corrosion of composite beams with corrugated steel webs (CBCSWs) is prone to occur in a chloride environment, and the load can change the rate of steel corrosion, thereby affecting the degradation of the mechanical properties of CBCSWs. In this paper, the flexural behavior of CBCSWs under the coupled effect of chloride ion erosion and sustained load was studied through an accelerated corrosion test and bending failure test. The results showed that, during the accelerated corrosion test, the deflection at the mid-span of the corroded CBCSWs increased more and faster than that of the uncorroded CBCSWs, and the stress of the externally prestressed tendons of the CBCSWs did not change significantly. During the loading failure process, the relative slip between the web and the concrete plates of the corroded CBCSWs had not been fully developed. The ultimate load and ultimate deflection of the corroded CBCSWs were decreased by 41.1% and 17.9%, respectively, compared to those of the CBCSWs before corrosion. The quasi-plane section assumption was still approximately applicable to the corroded CBCSWs. Compared with the uncorroded CBCSWs, the shear lag effect of the top plate of the corroded CBCSWs was more obvious. The externally prestressed tendons of the corroded CBCSWs could not give full play to their performance during the process of loading failure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-linear Behavior and Design of Steel Structures)
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20 pages, 7085 KiB  
Article
Influence of Opening Type in Axially Compressed Castellated Columns
by Arthur F. F. Gomes, Leonardo C. Mesquita, Edson F. C. Rodrigues, Felipe N. Arroyo, Vinícius B. M. Aquino, Herisson F. Santos, Túlio H. Panzera, Francisco A. R. Lahr, Eduardo Chahud, Luis A. M. N. Branco and André L. Christoforo
Buildings 2023, 13(7), 1851; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13071851 - 21 Jul 2023
Viewed by 996
Abstract
Recently, castellated columns have been increasingly used in buildings because of their flexibility, easy compatibility and potential savings due to less steel consumption. However, there is a lack of research related to the subject. In view of that, this work evaluates the influence [...] Read more.
Recently, castellated columns have been increasingly used in buildings because of their flexibility, easy compatibility and potential savings due to less steel consumption. However, there is a lack of research related to the subject. In view of that, this work evaluates the influence of the opening type and size on the resistant capacity of the column, considering a nonlinear plastic analysis by the finite element method (792 simulations). For this, columns without openings were modeled to validate the methodology proposed. After validation, a nonlinear buckling analysis of castellated columns was performed. In this study, different cut patterns of the beam web are evaluated, as well as residual stresses, material and geometric imperfections, based on a statistical design. The loads obtained by castellated columns and columns without web are compared. Also, the resistance reduction factors associated with global buckling (χ) for castellated profiles are compared to the values proposed by ABNR NBR 8800 (2008). Furthermore, statistically, there are no differences between the opening types evaluated. Finally, in order to contribute to the design of castellated columns, equations based on regression models were found to predict the load capacity of these elements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-linear Behavior and Design of Steel Structures)
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16 pages, 3418 KiB  
Article
Design and Seismic Performance of Tied Braced Frames
by Tianjiao Jin, Haifeng Yu, Jiaqi Li, Guiqiang Hao and Zhiqiang Li
Buildings 2023, 13(7), 1652; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13071652 - 28 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1152
Abstract
In this work, a tied braced frame (TBF) was developed to achieve uniform inelastic deformation in an eccentrically braced frame (EBF) by connecting links across the entire frame height with tie members. Herein, a TBF design method is proposed, considering a new lateral [...] Read more.
In this work, a tied braced frame (TBF) was developed to achieve uniform inelastic deformation in an eccentrically braced frame (EBF) by connecting links across the entire frame height with tie members. Herein, a TBF design method is proposed, considering a new lateral force distribution pattern. To better evaluate the seismic performance, and verify the design advantages of the TBF, nonlinear time-history analysis and fragility analysis were conducted using 6-, 10-, and 20-story TBF models designed using this method, as well as EBF models for comparison. It was found that the maximum inter-story displacement angles of the TBF model were reduced by 10%, 3.3% and 6.3% at the 84th percentile at 6, 10 and 20 stories, respectively, and the DCF values were also reduced by about 5.5%, indicating that the design of the TBF structure is more reasonable. The results revealed that the TBF models featured more uniform distributions of the normalized link shear forces and inter-story drift ratios, resulting in a better damage distribution and more ductile behavior. Furthermore, under earthquakes, the tie axial forces were similar to those calculated using the design equation, thereby indicating the reliability of the design method. Under the same seismic conditions, the PGA values of the TBF structure are about 10~15% lower at 50% exceedance probability compared to the EBF structure; the CMR values of the 6-story, 10-story, and 20-story models are 1.12, 1.09, and 1.06 times higher than those of the EBF structure, respectively. Notably, based on a comparison of the exceedance probability from the fragility analysis results for the TBF and EBF models, the TBF model exhibited better anti-collapse performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-linear Behavior and Design of Steel Structures)
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19 pages, 12361 KiB  
Article
Flexural Performance of a Novel Steel Cold-Formed Beam–PSSDB Slab Composite System Filled with Concrete Material
by Mohammed Chyad Liejy, Ahmed W. Al Zand, Azrul A. Mutalib, Mustafa Farooq Alghaaeb, Ali A. Abdulhameed, Alyaa A. Al-Attar, Wadhah M. Tawfeeq and Salam J. Hilo
Buildings 2023, 13(2), 432; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13020432 - 3 Feb 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1856
Abstract
In this study, the flexural performance of a new composite beam–slab system filled with concrete material was investigated, where this system was mainly prepared from lightweight cold-formed steel sections of a beam and a deck slab for carrying heavy floor loads as another [...] Read more.
In this study, the flexural performance of a new composite beam–slab system filled with concrete material was investigated, where this system was mainly prepared from lightweight cold-formed steel sections of a beam and a deck slab for carrying heavy floor loads as another concept of a conventional composite system with a lower cost impact. For this purpose, seven samples of a profile steel sheet–dry board deck slab (PSSDB/PDS) carried by a steel cold-formed C-purlins beam (CB) were prepared and named “composite CBPDS specimen”, which were tested under a static bending load. Specifically, the effects of the profile steel sheet (PSS) direction (parallel or perpendicular to the span of the specimen) using different C-purlins configurations (double sections connected face-to-face, double separate sections, and a single section) were investigated. The research discussed the specimens’ failure modes, flexural behavior, bending capacity, bending strain relationships, and energy absorption index of specimens. Generally, the CBPDS specimens with the PSS slab placed in a parallel direction achieved approximately a 13–40% higher bending capacity compared with the corresponding specimens with a perpendicular PSS direction (depending on the configuration of the beam). Fabricating the beam of the CBPDS specimen with double C-purlins (face-to-face) led to more effective concrete confinement behavior compared with the double separate C-purlins beam. The related specimen recorded a 10% higher bending capacity. Finally, the suggested composite CBPDS system exhibited a sufficient energy absorption capability of the static bending load because it demonstrated high strength and high ductility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-linear Behavior and Design of Steel Structures)
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Review

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21 pages, 5847 KiB  
Review
Non-Linear Behavior and Design of Steel Structures: Review and Outlook
by Zhi-Jian Zhang, Bai-Sen Chen, Rui Bai and Yao-Peng Liu
Buildings 2023, 13(8), 2111; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13082111 - 21 Aug 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4824
Abstract
The high strength and stiffness-to-weight ratios of structural steel often result in relatively slender members and systems, which are governed to a great extent by stability limit states. However, predicting the stability of slender structures is difficult due to various inherent uncertainties in [...] Read more.
The high strength and stiffness-to-weight ratios of structural steel often result in relatively slender members and systems, which are governed to a great extent by stability limit states. However, predicting the stability of slender structures is difficult due to various inherent uncertainties in material and geometry. Generally, structural and member stabilities are nonlinear problems that cannot be directly evaluated based on the section strength using conventional analysis method. Nonlinear behaviors are basically categorized as materially and geometrically nonlinear, which can be observed at the cross-sectional, member, and frame levels. To provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state-of-the-art non-linear behavior and design of steel structures and to identify key areas for future research and development, this paper presents a review on the materially and geometrically nonlinear effects of steel structures. A discussion of the effects of material yielding accentuated by the presence of residual stresses, initial imperfections, and end conditions will be conducted. The stiffness reduction due to second-order effects and material yielding will be illustrated. Moreover, current and emerging design approaches that consider nonlinear responses will also be reviewed and evaluated. Lastly, with the development of modern flexible and complex steel structures, which sometimes violate fundamental assumptions of the current stability design method, the application of advanced analysis and design methods will be explored. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-linear Behavior and Design of Steel Structures)
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