3D Nonlinear FEA Analysis of Pin-Column Connection
Location
Structure Type
Software Used
Burnaby, British Columbia
Pinned (hinged) connection
Abaqus
Objective
A nonlinear 3D solid-element FEA was performed to verify the structural performance of a steel pin-and-hinge connection under conservative seismic loads, considering realistic contact and geometric constraints. Two acceptance criteria were established:
- Plates experience limited yielding (PEEQ < 2%)
- Weak-axis bending moment < 100 kN·m
Challenges
The existing design did not meet either of these criteria for the most critical load case. To ensure that yielding is limited and bending moment is within the established limit, the connection has to be strong enough to sustain the vertical load, but flexible enough to accommodate seismic loads.
Solution
For the governing load cases, the thickness of the middle plate was increased and the clearance between the pin hole and the base plate was increased. The added plate thickness improves the connection’s ability to resist direct vertical loads, while the increased clearance provides greater flexibility and contributes to improved structural performance and robustness.
Result
The established acceptance criteria were satisfied and the updated design is deemed acceptable.
