Numerical simulation and parametric design of steel rigid connections built with w shapes: study and analysis for qualified and non-qualified models with low-carbon union plates under ANSI/AISC-360- 16 standards

Abstract

Currently, using the orthodox and traditional analytical methods to calculate a steel connection it is almost impossible to determinate the stresses distribution under the forces that are subjected to it, and still it results also harder to have a depiction of the structural performance on its geometry. In this research work, there will be displayed an overview of the structural performance of steel connections using W sections as structural member shapes studying multiple configurations restricted under several parameters. Besides, it exposes a contrast between a conventional (qualified) prototype with respect to a configuration commonly built nowadays but with no punctual research about it, everything under the Specification for Structural Steel Buildings requirements of the American Institute of Steel Construction (ANSI/AISC-360-16 ). This research project is mainly focused on configurations with welded joints and union plates with low-carbon content as ASTM A36 and ASTM A572 gr. 50 just for saying. A36 and ASTM A572 gr. 50 just for saying. To build and compute the solution, the approaching was based on the numerical technique known as Finite Element Method (FEM), which is employed for solving problems in computational mechanics and engineering problems.