Advanced Analysis of Stainless Steel Structures with Semi-Continuous Connections

With many prominent benefits in terms of durability, mechanical performance and architectural aesthetics, stainless steel is being increasingly used in structural engineering for improved sustainability and life-cycle performance. The unique mechanical properties of stainless steel challenge the conventional structural steel design methodology, which can lead to inaccurate and uneconomic design outcomes for stainless steel structures. An optimum solution to this issue is the emerging advanced analysis technology. With integrated structural analysis and member check, advanced analysis can fully exploit the beneficial strain hardening effect of stainless steel. However, existing advanced analysis methods assume either rigid or pinned beam-to-column connections, despite the general fact that common bolted connections in Europe are practically semi-continuous connections (SCCs), i.e. with finite rotational stiffness and moment capacity. The negligence of the semi-continuous effect can compromise the accuracy of advanced analysis, and undermine its economic benefits. To deal with this challenge, SEMICON will integrate the research strengths of the fellow and the host research group to develop an efficient advanced analysis framework for stainless steel structures with SCCs. Experimental and numerical studies will be carried out to provide the required knowledge and data for developing a component-based model to predict the full-range moment-rotation behaviour of stainless steel SCCs. This model will be integrated into an advanced analysis framework to allow more accurate, consistent and economic design of stainless steel structures. The project will complement the fellow’s research skill set and improve his transferrable skills towards further academic and professional maturity. In the long-term, the project will contribute to reducing the resource consumption and carbon emission of the construction industry, which aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.