The Behavior of Modified Long Links with Supplemental Double Stiffeners on Eccentrically Braced Frames

Abstract

Initial failure of long links caused by fracturing and buckling occurs on the flange and web at the end of the link. Local damages are caused by the influence of the dominant bending moments compared to shear forces. The advantage of using long links includes allowing for larger openings in rooms, which makes it popular among architects. Efforts to prevent these specific failures are not covered in the rules and there are few researchers that examine improving the performance of long links. The focus of this study is to provide information on using supplemental double stiffeners at the ends of the link without changing the long link behavior. The behavior of long links is maintained by keeping the flange failures on the flange at the end of the link. The supplemental double stiffeners improve the performance of the long link by extending the inelastic zone and slowing the failure rate of the flange. This experimental study was carried out on four models of the long link consisting of a standard model and a model modified by the addition of supplemental double stiffeners at the flange. Long link models were modified with variable thickness and holes width on the supplemental double stiffeners. The results showed that the addition of the supplemental double stiffeners improved the performance of long links compared to the standard link that is in accordance with the requirements of AISC 341-10. The supplemental double stiffeners are an alternative to improved long link performance, making it more effective in the application of its use in steel construction.