Webinar on FEM Structural Analysis

Steel connection design of frames and trusses

using midas FEA
Contents

1. Introduction to steel connection design using FEM

2. Bolts and plate contact modeling
3. Welds modeling in connection
4. Connection sub-modeling based on predefined displacements

5. Connection sub-modeling using coupling links

6. User’s examples on steel connection modeling using MIDAS software

1. Introduction to steel connection design using FEM

Ways to perform analysis and design of steel connections

Using forces from global FE model and add-ons Detailed modeling using shell FE and links Detailed modeling using 3D solid FE and penalty
modules in software based on design formulas system surface contact
1. Introduction to steel connection design using FEM

Benefits of connection detailed FE modeling

Joint systems with complex stress distribution Praying action and contact force estimation
for general cases

Optimization of gusset plates Design of retrofitting for steel connections damaged by corrosion
or fatigue cracks
2. Bolts and plate contact modeling

Approach to model bolted connection in detailed shell model

Actual thickness of connection plates

Shell elements at plate mid-surfaces

Idealization of plates interaction in connection

Interaction between connection plates (shell FE) described by

Model of bolt described by beam or spring FE compression only springs between nodes
Force Plate Force
contact

tension compression
Beam FE
Displ.
Rigid links Displ.

Plates Bolt hole

Plate separation
2. Bolts and plate contact modeling

midas FEA features for bolted connection modeling

View of contact links between plates Compression only links properties Auto-generation of links between nodes of separate plates

View of a bolt that connects plates Flexible and rigid properties for bolt
2. Bolts and plate contact modeling

Working example

General view of end plate connection

Shell model in midas FEA 3D solid model for comparison of results with
shell model
2. Bolts and plate contact modeling

Comparison of results between shell and solid models

Vertical displacement contour in 3D solid model

Vertical displacement contour in shell model

2. Bolts and plate contact modeling

Comparison of results between shell and solid models

Mises stress contour in beam webs of shell model

Mises stress contour in beam webs of 3D solid model

2. Bolts and plate contact modeling

Comparison of results between shell and solid models

Compression force contour in compression only links Compression contact stress contour in end plate of
(Representation of contact area at end plate) of shell model 3D solid model
3. Welds modeling in connection

Approach to model fillet welds in connection shell model

Weld leg projection

Rigid links

MPC

Weld leg projection Weld is modeled by shell FE

MPC Shell has thickness equal to

theoretical weld throat

Area of weld Equivalent Area

=
3. Welds modeling in connection

Isometric view of a weld modeling and strength check in weld shell elements

σꓕ
τ‖

For static strength assessments, the equivalent stress is calculated

at the center of the weld shell element that can be compared to
the ultimate strength.
3. Welds modeling in connection

Midas FEA features for weld shell modeling

Modeling of rigid links between weld shell and plates in midas FEA Modeling of MPC in midas FEA via constraint equations

Independent
node Independent
node

Independent
node

Independent
node

Constrain Node

Constraining translational displacement

Constraining rotational displacement

Translational displacement of constraint and

independent node
Rotational displacement of constraint and
independent node

DOF factors
3. Welds modeling in connection

Simplified approach to model weld shell in midas FEA

Set identical element size along edges

Projection of weld shell edges onto plate surfaces

Set rigid links between nodes of weld and plate

3. Welds modeling in connection

Working example
Solid model of connection for
comparison of results

Fillet welds with gap

Welds meshing
3. Welds modeling in connection

Comparison of results between shell and solid models

Displacement contour in shell model Displacement contour in solid model
3. Welds modeling in connection

Comparison of results between shell and solid models

Mises stress distribution in weld shell elements

Mises stress distribution in weld throat of 3D solid model

4. Connection sub-modeling based on predefined displacements

Analysis sequence

1. Modeling of a structure using beam/truss FE

Dx Dy Dz
Dx Dy Dz
Rx Ry Rz
Rx Ry Rz

Dx Dy Dz
Rx Ry Rz 2. Perform analysis and detect the critical joints for detailed analysis.
Dx Dy Dz Detect dimensions of joint components and displacements
Rx Ry Rz
(Dx,Dy,Dz,Rx,Ry,Rz) at the ends

3. Joint detailed modeling. Applying loads as predefined

displacements. Post-processing of results
4. Connection sub-modeling based on predefined displacements

Working example

Truss diagonals

Gusset plates

Truss lower
chord Detailed investigation of gusset plates
5. Connection sub-modeling using coupling links

Examples of detailed connection model with global beam model via rigid bodies

Plane section Translation of section at deformed beam FE

Salve node

Rigid link between

Salve node
nodes Rigid body

Salve node Salve node

Rigid Body between members of detailed

model and global model
 6. User’s examples on steel connection modeling using MIDAS software

Numerical simulation of gusset plate connection with RHS shape brace under cyclic loading. SAIE 2010.
K.K. Wijesundara, R. Nascimbene, D. Bolognini

Investigation of gusset plates in bracing system and Plastic strain distribution in gusset plate due to the bracing compression. Local buckling of bracing.
expected yielding lines. Finite element model view
 6. User’s examples on steel connection modeling using MIDAS software

Risposta a carichi ciclici di un sistema di collegamento tra pilastri prefabbricati e fondazione mediante piastre
metalliche e tirafondi. Conference: 18°Congresso C.T.E., 11-13 novembre 2010, At Brescia, Italy.
Ettore Fagà, Davide Bellotti, Lorenzo Bianco, Davide Bolognini

RC column to foundation connection vie steel shoes and anchor bolts 3D FE model of column, shoes and anchor

Experimental test results. damaged column subjected to load of 400 kN, model
deformation view and load-displacement curves comparison
Experimental test equipment representing seismic action on column
6. User’s examples on steel connection modeling using MIDAS software

FE-modelling of a bolted lap connection using a simplified bolt model. Modelowanie Inżynierskie 2017
Rafał Grzejda

Beam to column bolted lap connection. Fe model

Distribution of the resultant displacements and stresses due to the preloaded and externally
loaded bolted lap connection

Modeling of fasteners
 6. User’s examples on steel connection modeling using MIDAS software

Background of Component Based Finite Element Method. Czech Technical University in Prague
Lukáš Gödrich, František Wald, Marta Kurejková, Martin Kočka

Validation – global deformation

3D solid model and stress-

deformed state

Experiment with T stub specimen

Experiment with T stub
 6. User’s examples on steel connection modeling using MIDAS software

Analysis of the footbridge of the boryspil airport traffic interchange. 4th International Conference Footbridge 2011
Mykhailo Malgin, Kostiantyn Medvediev

General view of footbridge FE global model made of beam elements

Detailed FE models of connections using solid elements.

Mises stress distribution in components
Experiment with T stub specimen
Detailed FE model of connection in terms of global model
THANK YOU
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