Experimental tests for the evaluation of the energy dissipation capacity of a double split tee connection with SMA bolts

The double split tee connection is a form of connection suitable for ordinary or special moment frames. This double split tee connection represents different behavioral characteristics and failure modes depending on the stiffness ratio of the beams and columns, the geometric shape of the T-stub and the panel zone effect. In general, the geometric shape of the T-stub and its effects can be classified by the parameter α representing the value of the ratio between the moment at the centerline of the bolt line and the flange moment at the face of the T-stub stem. Energy dissipation capacity, however, can be improved by applying materials that facilitate the expression of seismic performance, as with the double split tee connection, which has a relatively small α value. In this regard, this study attempted to investigate the changes in energy dissipation capacity by applying the shape memory alloy (SMA), which provides excellent shape memory capability and ability to restore superelasticity to the double split tee connection having relatively small α value. Specimens of the double split tee connection fastened using SMA bolts were fabricated, and an experiment on the connections was performed.