Response and design of high strength steel structures employing square and rectangular hollow sections

Gkantou, Michaela (2017). Response and design of high strength steel structures employing square and rectangular hollow sections. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

The application of high strength steels (HSS) in the construction industry can lead to more economic design and profound sustainability benefits. To facilitate their use in modern practice, most international structural design codes have included HSS within their contents. Due to limited test data at the time of publishing, HSS design provisions are largely based on those for mild steel, with some restrictions, due to HSS’s inferior ductility and strain-hardening characteristics. Hence, further investigation on the applicability of such design specifications to HSS is required. To this end, within the present research work the structural performance of high strength steel structures employing square and rectangular hot-finished hollow sections is rigorously investigated. Meticulously generated finite element models of individual structural components are validated against test data and subsequently used for the generation of additional structural performance data through the execution of parametric studies. Implementing the aforementioned methodology, focus is also placed upon the structural performance of HSS trusses, whilst the possibility of applying prestress to them to enhance their behaviour is examined. Based on the obtained results, the suitability of current codified design methods to HSS is assessed and appropriate design recommendations are made.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

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