Assessment of the Dynamic Behavior of Beam-to-Column Connections in Steel Pallet Racks under Cyclic Load: Numerical Investigation

Steel pallet racks (SPRs) are characterized by boltless beam-column connections (BCCs). The role of BCCs becomes more significant during hazardous conditions such as earthquakes. Due to the great number of beam-end connector types and member geometries, the accurate evaluation of their structural behavior, especially under seismic loads, seems to be very difficult to perform so far. In this paper, the authors present results of simulation based on cyclic tests on different types of industrial rack joints by the finite element (FE) modeling of connections. This paper mainly investigates the BCC geometrical factors affecting the dynamic behavior of braced racks. Design indications are consequently provided in order to guarantee a globally homogenous ductility among different BCC configurations under seismic actions.

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