Analytical Study of Geometric Effects of Bolted Web Replaceable Shear Link with Bolted Web Connection under Cyclic Loading

Due to good ductility and stiffness, the eccentrically braced frame (EBF) has attracted the interest of seismic design regulations. Recently, the replaceable link beams (RLBs) were proposed as a new approach to solve the problems in designing the EBF system. This approach allows to easily repair or replace the damaged link beam by uncoupling the yielding element (link beam) from the main floor beam. One of the most common types of RLB is the double-channel link beam with the web-bolted connection. The identification of factors involved in the behavior of this type of link beam is less commonly found in the studies. In this paper, therefore, using the ABAQUS software, the numerical modeling was first validated to a laboratory model. Then, by changing the validated link components (including the number and thickness of plates, number and spacing of bolts, number and steel grade of link beam section), a total of 16 new numerical models were generated and evaluated under cyclic loading. The results limited to the assumptions of this paper show that in the web-connected horizontal replaceable shear link, the full shear yielding occurred, achieving the full functionality of ductile seismic fuse. In addition, the bolted, web-connected RLB demonstrates excellent seismic performance and plastic rotation capacity. Also, the smart selection of link components increases the shear strength capacity, stiffness, ductility and energy dissipation. However, the effect of increasing the size of beam cross-section is more noticeable. In addition, in order to ensure the full shear yielding behavior for RLB, it is necessary to add the upper and lower flange stiffeners near the connection.