Improving anti-collapse performance of steel frame with RBS connection

• Published in: Journal of constructional steel research 2020-07, Vol.170, p.106119, Article 106119
• Main Authors: Meng, Bao, Zhong, Weihui, Hao, Jiping, Song, Xiaoyan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anti-collapse performance; Numerical analysis; RBS connection; Seismic performance; Steel frame
• ISSN: 0143-974X; 1873-5983
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcsr.2020.106119

In this study, a novel RBS connection that adds “V”-type reinforcing plates to the reduced section of the upper and lower flanges of a beam is introduced. Based on validated nonlinear numerical models, the anti-progressive collapse and seismic performance of a steel frame with the novel RBS connection are discussed. When the catenary action in the beams is fully developed, adding “V”-type reinforcing plates can effectively improve the bearing capacity and corresponding displacement of the subassembly by 180.9% and 85.8%, respectively. The addition of a “V”-type reinforcing plate does not weaken the seismic performance of the RBS connection; on the contrary, it will slightly improve. Through numerical parameter analysis, the design method for the reinforcing plate and application examples against progressive collapse are given. When “V”-type reinforcing plates are applied to a plane steel frame, the maximum resistance reserve can be improved, especially when the bottom middle column fails. •A novel RBS connection adding “V” type of the reinforcing plates at the reduced section of the beam is introduced.•The anti-collapse performance of the novel RBS connection is investigated.•The mechanism behaviors of the “V” type of the reinforcing plates are discussed and analyzed.•Adding “V” type of the reinforcing plate can improve anti-collapse capacity of the structure.•The design method of “V” type of the reinforcing plate is proposed.