Experimental study of low yield point steel gusset plate connections

Concentrically braced frames have been used widely in the seismic-resistant design of steel building structures. During earthquake excitation, the braces of the concentrically braced frame are subjected to recursive tensile and compressive forces. The compressive strength of the brace is usually less than its tensile strength because of the buckling of the brace, and this may degenerate the seismic resistance capacity of the braced frame. In this reported research, an alternative design concept that adopts the weak gusset plate-strong brace is examined. The gusset plate is designed to yield prior to the buckling of the brace. Low yield point (LYP) steel is selected for the gusset plate. The LYP steel possesses low yield strength and high elongation capacity. A series of experimental studies was carried out to examine the LYP steel gusset plates under cyclic loads. It is found that adding slot-type restrainers (STR) to the LYP steel gusset plate greatly enhances the seismic resistance of the gusset plate. The proposed LYP steel gusset plate with an STR is able to provide similar strengths under tensile and compressive loads. The energy dissipation capacity of the gusset plate is also increased substantially. Based on this study, suggestions are made for the design of LYP gusset plates.