FEM Analysis of Hole-opened Metallic Plate Connections in Prefabricated Energy-dissipation Joint

The prefabricated structure is vigorously promoted due to its obvious superiorities of high-efficiency construction rate and environment-friendly construction scheme. However, this fast-growing new structural system is still facing the threat of earthquakes, especially its beam-to-column connecting joints which are the weaker link in the entire structural system all the time. This study investigates the failure behaviour of hole-opened metallic plate connections in prefabricated energy-dissipation joints and its finite element models were provided. Parametric study was performed to obtain the influence of metallic-plate size on the bearing capacity, deformation performance, and ductility. Based on the results of numerical simulation, the failure modes of specimens were focused on weakened sections. Moreover, proposed design sizes were given, comprising that the weakened length a/L of holes is from 0.25 to 0.55 and the weakened width b/B is from 0.3 to 0.5. The suggested value of width to thickness ratio is 0.2 and the value of the gap is within 0.5 to 2 mm.