Abstract
This paper presents numerical study results on the response of various structural steel beam-column connections under a falling floor impact scenario. Five different end connection types were utilized including the newly proposed reverse channel connection with extended end plate (RC-EEP). The effects of impact location and impact energy on the dynamic response of steel frames with RC-EEP connection type were investigated. Mid-span impact, 3/4th beam span impact, and the right joint impact scenarios were considered. 3-D finite element models were established using ANSYS explicit dynamic module and validated against experimental data. The results displayed a good agreement with experimental tests in terms of failure mode, displacement-time history and stress distribution. Frames with RC-FEP and RC-EEP connection types exhibited high energy dissipation capacity than beams with WUF-B and RBS connection types with respective maximum deflection of 38.7% and 31.4% higher at failure load. Moreover, Deformation, energy dissipation capability, and failure mode of steel frames with RC-EEP connection type were greatly affected by impact location and impact energy. An increase in impact energy by doubling the impact mass, while keeping the impact velocity constant, has resulted 42.4% increase in maximum deformation. Furthermore, the joint impact was seen as the critical impact causing shear failure of the assembly. The beam was able to attain greater deformation in case of mid-span. The steel frames are noticeably able to resist higher impact loads in case of impact at the mid-span compared with impact at the joint.