Post-Tensioned Steel Connections Self-Centering Behavior Using the Finite Element Method

Due to lack of the proper and well behavior of steel moment-resisting connections subjected to the great and major earthquakes, excessive researches have been conducted to mitigate the damages on the primary elements and connections. Therefore, elimination of residual drift and increasing the plastic rotation capacity for the connectors in the panel zone are required. The main purpose of this study is to numerically investigate the behavior of the recent kind of the steel moment connections which are called as steel self-centering post-tensioned connections. The steel post-tensioned connections consisted of some high strength strands for self-centering feature plus energy dissipater angles for adjustment of plastic deformation. This paper studies on the steel self-centering post-tensioned connections using the finite element method. The obtained results are verified based on the experimental study. Accordingly, the energy dissipation, rigidity percentage, and ductility factor of the connections are determined. Results revealed the perfect self-centering with the proper ductility factor. Furthermore, it was observed that the post-tensioned steel connections have a high plastic rotation capacity without any damages to the column and beam.