applied

sciences
Article
Damage Analyses of Replaceable Links in
Eccentrically Braced Frame (EBF) Subject to
Cyclic Loading
Zhanzhong Yin 1,2, *, Dazhe Feng 1, * and Wenwei Yang 3
1 School of Civil Engineering, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou 730050, China
2 Western Engineering Research Center of Disaster Mitigation in Civil Engineering of Ministry of Education,
Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou 730050, China
3 College of Civil and Hydraulic Engineering, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China;
nxyangww@163.com
* Correspondence: yzztianyu@126.com (Z.Y.); conandazhe@163.com (D.F.)




Received: 14 December 2018; Accepted: 13 January 2019; Published: 18 January 2019


Featured Application: The main purpose of this study is to present a shear device consisting
of a central “fuse” link to examine the seismic behavior and to analyze the damage modes
of replaceable links in steel eccentrically braced frames. It can be applied in the seismic
design requirements for main steel building seismic force-resisting systems, as driven by new
developments and changes in earthquake engineering practice.

Abstract: In the current design of steel eccentrically braced frames (EBFs), the yielding link is coupled
with the floor beam. This causes the design of cross-sectional dimensions of links to be enlarged,
resulting in over-designed structures and foundations, and increasing the cost of the overall structure.
In addition, the beams are forecast to sustain severe damage through repeated inelastic deformations
under design-level earthquakes, and thus the structure may require extensive repair or need to be
replaced. To improve upon these drawbacks, a shear device with replaceable links based on EBFs
was designed. The hysteresis curve, the stress distribution, and the deformation of the specimen were
obtained by cyclic loading tests of the eight replaceable links. The energy dissipation behavior, the
bearing capacity, the failure modes, and the plastic rotation angle of those specimens were analyzed.
The results indicated clearly that the links in this shear device had inelastic deformation concentrated
in the link showing very stable hysteresis behavior, and damaged links were replaced easily as
end-plate connections were adopted. The energy dissipation capacity and the plastic rotation angle
of the specimens were mainly dependent on the arrangement of stiffener, length ratio, and welding
access holes. Experimental studies performed in this research and the related damage analyses reveal
that cracks are the major causes of damage to the EBF and there is a lack of research on real-time
monitoring of the onset and development of these cracks in EBF structures. As a future work, this
paper proposes a piezoceramic patch transducer-based active sensing approach to monitor the crack
onset and development of the EBF when subjected to dynamic loadings.

Keywords: replaceable links; eccentrically braced frame; welding access hole; length ratio; energy
dissipation capacity; damage mode analyses

1. Introduction
Pure frame structures have good ductility and energy dissipation capacity, however their lateral
stiffness is poor. A centrically braced frame (CBF) has large lateral stiffness; nevertheless, buckling
often occurs under the conditions of severe earthquakes. Fujimoto et al. [1–3] improved the centrically

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 332; doi:10.3390/app9020332 www.mdpi.com/journal/applsci

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 332 2 of 20

braced frame and developed the idea of an eccentrically braced frame (EBF) system. Analytical
studies show that EBFs have good ductility, and energy dissipation capacity has been applied
to the seismic design [4–6]. In Northridge’s damaged structures, there was only rare evidence
that plastic zones actually were formed. Instead, the seismic energy was transmitted directly
to the connection, overloading it and causing it to brittle fracture [7]. For the connection to be
employed in seismic resistant frames, it is important to examine its ductility and energy dissipation
capacity. Previous investigations [8,9] indicated that the column panel zone (PZ) ductility can
considerably influence the failure mode of the beams with reduced beam section (RBS) moment
connections, where the beam-to-column joints with weak PZs result in brittle fracture within the
weld connecting the beam flange to the column face. Subsequently, tests by Naeim [10] have shown
that the RBS usually experiences web local buckling first, followed by lateral torsional buckling and
finally flange local buckling. Maleki and Tabbakhha [11] introduced a hybrid connection called the
Slotted-Web–Reduced-Flange (SWRF), which consists of an RBS and a slotted beam web (SBW). This
connection is modeled by directly attaching the beam flanges to the column without any slots in the
web or cuts in the flanges. The pre-Northridge connection experiences nearly double the maximum
stresses of the SWRF connection at 0.04 rad of rotation. Therefore, Rao and Kumar [12] studied a
connection with a rectangular hole in the web, called rectangular hollow sections (RHS). According to
that research, the connection moment–rotation behavior is represented by three parameters, namely,
initial connection stiffness, ultimate moment capacity, and shape parameter. However, the shear links
have different energy dissipation ways from these systems. From other tests on the overall energy
dissipation capacity of eccentrically braced steel frame structures, Malley and Popov [13] concluded
that the inelastic deformation of shear links was the main factor affecting structural energy dissipation
based on previous studies. Tests by Kasai and Popov [14] showed that the prediction of the cyclic web
buckling displacement angle was only applicable for links with stiffener spacing smaller than the web
height. Therefore, Hamed et al. [15] presented an investigation into the cyclic behavior of corrugated
steel plate shear walls (SPSWs); it was shown that the energy dissipation capacity of specimens with an
angle of 60◦ is approximately 6% larger than specimens with an angle of 45◦ , where the specimens have
the same level of corrugation and wall thickness. The shear links with different stiffener arrangements
were tested to further investigate the influence of stiffener spacing on cyclic web buckling behavior.
Moreover, the plastic over strength behavior was also studied since previous studies only gave a fixed
over strength coefficient at the shear displacement angle of 8%, however the plastic over strength
behavior was not clear for links with shear displacement angles exceeding 8% [16,17]. In addition,
Okazaki et al. [18] proposed that energy dissipation occurred at the flange of the link. Tests performed
on seismic behavior of the replaceable link by Lv et al. [19] also indicated that the replaceable link
dissipated the energy through plastic deformation and the restoration of the links was more convenient
after the earthquake. Experiments by Ji et al. [20] conducted on links which led to plastic deformation
were concentrated in the link under the cyclic loading. The replaceable links controlled the seismic
behavior of the structure better [21].
Numerous experimental studies were carried out on the seismic behavior of EBF links [22–27]. These
investigations show that EBF links typically exhibit excellent bearing capacity and deformability [28–32].
The link is designed as part of a frame beam, which results in the dimension of other components to
increase with the enlargement of the links. In addition, a report on a series of cases shows that the
plastic deformation region of the structure can hardly be located under large earthquakes [33–36]. The
EBF was designed for an anti-seismic structure, where the replaceable link is separated from the frame
beams as a link that can be repaired conveniently to extend the service life of the overall structure [37].
Additionally, the end-plate connection was joined to the frame beams to form an eccentrically braced
steel frame with a replaceable link. This not only concentrated the plastic deformation in the replaceable
link during the large earthquake and reduced the cost of the overall structure, but also made the
maintenance even easier after the earthquake. Previous investigations [38] have shown that elastic
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 332 3 of 20

bracing can solve the problem of the lateral bracing of structural members and further research should
discuss its applicability to EBFs.
Based on the actual force of the links, a loading device was designed based on shear effect,
consisting of a central “fuse” link connecting to steel beam segments at its two ends. This paper
focused on a series of quasi-static tests with the goal of examining the seismic behavior and analyzing
damage modes of links. A total of eight specimens with different parameters were loaded under cycle
loading both with the welding access holes and no welding access holes to allow direct comparison
between the two types. The influence of geometric parameters such as length ratio, stiffener spacing,
and welding access hole on the seismic performance of links was determined by parameter analysis.
Experimental studies and the related damage analyses reveal that cracks are the major causes of damage
to the EBF, and there is a lack of research on real-time monitoring of the onset and development of
these cracks in EBF structures in the literature. As a future work, this paper proposes a piezoceramic
patch transducer-based active sensing approach to monitor the onset and development cracks in the
EBF subjected to dynamic loadings.

2. Experimental Study

2.1. Specimen Design

As shown in Figure 1, a total of eight large-scale specimens with different parameters were
designed and tested to explore the influence of parameters such as section dimension, length ratio,
and stiffener spacing on the seismic performance of links. The designed parameters of the links are
summarized in Table 1. The flanges and web were welded by complete-joint-penetration (CJP) groove
welds [39–41]. Both the link flange and the web satisfied the provisions for highly ductile members
according to the AISC 341-10 standard (AISC 2010a) [42]. In this test, the influence of the cross-sectional
shape and length of the link on its energy dissipation capacity was considered. A range of link lengths
were tested, ranging from short shear yielding links to very long flexural yielding links. In other words,
the classification was based on the normalized link length and thus the length ratio was introduced to
define the following:
ζ = eVp /Mp , (1)

where Mp is the plastic flexural strength and Vp is the plastic shear strength. Links with a length
ratio of less than 1.6 were dominated by shear yielding, whereas those above 2.6 were dominated by
flexural yielding. Between these limits, link inelastic response was heavily influenced both by shear
and flexure. The link beam stiffeners were welded to the link web and to both link flanges using fillet
welds, which were set on one side of the web only. The stiffeners were designed with a thickness of 10
mm and a spacing of 150 mm and 200 mm. According to the requirement stated in AISC 341-10, the
intermediate web stiffeners were spaced at intervals not exceeding (30tw -d/5), where tw denotes the
thickness of web and d is the beam depth. The stiffener spacing for the link beams of all specimens
satisfied this limit. The vertical fillet welds of the web stiffeners were terminated at a distance of no
less than five times the web thickness from the flange-to-web weld in order to delay web facture at the
region where the flange-to-web CJP groove weld and the fillet welds of the stiffeners met. Specimens
L3, L4, L5, L7, and L8 were treated using welding access holes and Specimens L1, L2, and L6 were not
treated using welding access holes (see Figure 2).
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 332 4 of 20
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(a) (b) (c) (d)

(a) (b) (c) (d)

(e) (e) (f)

(f) (g)
(g) (h) (h)
Figure
Figure 1. Experimental
1. Experimental specimens.(a)
specimens. (a)L1;
L1; (b) L2;
L2;(c)
(c)L3;
L3;(d)
(d)L4;
L4;(e)(e)
L5;L5;
(f) (f)
L6; L6;
(g) L7;
(g) (h)
L7;L8.
(h) L8.

Table 1. 1.Parameter
Table Parameterdesign of each
design of each testspecimen.
specimen.
Table 1. Parameter design of eachtest
test specimen.
Section Length
Length Number of
Number of Stiffener Length Ratio
Stiffener LengthLengthRatio
Ratio
NumberSectionSection
Number Dimension/mm Length Number of Stiffener
Number Dimension/mm /mm
/mm Stiffeners
Stiffeners Spacing Spacing ζ ζ
Dimension/mm /mm Stiffeners Spacing ζ
L1 L1 H350
H350 × 175
× 175 × ×7 7×× 1111 900
900 5 5 200 200 1.43 1.43
L1 L2 H350 × 175 × 7××6 11 900 5 200 1.43
L2 H250 × 125 × 6 × 99
H250 × 125 × 800
800 4 4 200 200 1.84 1.84
L2 L3
L3 H250 ××125
H250
H250 ××6×6×6××999
× 125
125 800
700
700 343 200200200 1.61 1.84
1.61
L3 L4
L4 H250
H250 ××125
H250 125 ××6×6×6××999
× 125 700
700
700 535 150200150 1.61 1.61
1.61
L5
L4 L5 H250 × 125 × ×677×
H350 ×
H350 175
× ×
175 ××91111 700
700
700 35 3 200150200 1.11 1.11
1.61
L6 L6
L5 H350 ×
H350
H350 175
× 175
× 175 × 7 × 11
× 7× ×7 ×1111 700
700
700 43 4 200200200 1.11
1.11 1.11
L7 L7 H350 × 175
H350 × 175× ×7 7×× 1111 700
700 54 5 150200150 1.11
1.11 1.11
L6
L8 H350
H350 × 175 ××77××11
× 175 11 700
600 3 150 0.95
L7 L8 H350 × 175 × 7 × 1111
H350 × 175 × 7 × 600
700 35 150150 0.95 1.11
Note: Note:
L3, L4, L5, L7,L5,
and L8and
were treated using weldingwelding
access holes;
accessL1, L2, and L6 were notwere
treated
notusing welding
L8holes.L3, L4,
access H350L7,× 175 L8
× 7were
× 11treated using
600 3 holes; L1, L2,150
and L6 treated
0.95
using welding access holes.
Note: L3, L4, L5, L7, and L8 were treated using welding access holes; L1, L2, and L6 were not treated
using welding access holes.
Welding access hole

Welding access hole

(a) (b)
Figure
Figure 2. Welding
2. Welding access
access holetreatment.
hole treatment. (a) L1,
L1,L2,
L2,and
andL6;
L6;(b)(b)
L3,L3,
L4,L4,
L5,L5,
L7, L7,
andand
L8. L8.

(a) (b)
Figure 2. Welding access hole treatment. (a) L1, L2, and L6; (b) L3, L4, L5, L7, and L8.
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 332 5 of 20

The links and end plates were made of Q235 steel (nominal yield strength f y = 235 MPa), and
other components were made of Q345 steel ( f y = 345 MPa). Table 2 lists the material properties for the
link steel measured by tensile coupon tests. The parameters of each specimen of the elastic modulus E,
the yield strength f y , the ultimate strength f u , and the elongation δ were obtained. To ensure that the
beam segments remained elastic as they were fully yielded and strain-hardened, their strength was
designed to exceed the strength demand corresponding to their own ultimate strength.

Table 2. Specimen material properties.

Yield Strength Ultimate Strength Elastic Modulus E/105 Elongation

Type
fy /MPa fu /MPa MPa δ/%
Web 271.00 430.00 1.93 30.66
Flange 261.13 436.25 2.00 24.96

The end-plate connections were provided with a strength exceeding the link’s ultimate strength,
and damaged links were replaceable. The link was connected to the extended end plate using CJP
welds. The link end plate was spliced to the end plate of the beam segment. The link was installed
vertically and then the end plates were clamped using high-strength bolts [43,44].
M22 high-strength bolts were used in all specimens with a strength grade of 10.9 (minimum tensile
strength f y = 1000 MPa; strength ratio f y / f u = 0.9). All bolt holes were standard size per AISC 360-10
(AISC 2010b) [45]. High-strength bolts were installed for all specimens using a calibrated wrench to
obtain their specified pretension forces. Steel surfaces of connected specimens were unpainted and
blast-cleaned, and the slip coefficient was assumed as 0.45 [46].

2.2. Test Setup, Instrumentation, and Loading Protocol

Figure 3a shows the test setup. The link specimen was securely clamped to two steel frame beams
designed with large stiffness to simulate the constraint of adjacent frame beams to the link. A shear
force was applied perpendicularly to the link to ensure both ends of the link were subjected to equal
bending moments in opposite directions. The details of setup connection are as follows: the loading
frames that measured 500 mm × 600 mm × 40 mm × 30 mm were arranged on one side of the frame
beams measuring 500 mm × 300 mm × 12 mm × 30 mm, respectively. Besides the connections of
the four high-strength tie rods between the loading beam and the frame beam, both their ends were
connected to the end plates measuring 588 mm × 300 mm × 24 mm through a row of seven 10.9-class
M26 high-strength bolts, and some box pads were placed between them. In addition, a load cell was
pinned to the jack at one end and pinned to the left hinge support at the other hand. They were
arranged between the left reaction frame and the left loading frame. The right hinge support was
pinned to the right loading frame at one hand and was pinned to the right reaction frame at the other
hand. The loading site is shown in Figure 3b. A row of rollers that could slide horizontally was added
at the bottom of the lower frame beam to ensure the sliding of the bottom frame beam during the test
(see Figure 3c). At the same time, the rollers were smeared with lubricant to reduce friction.
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 332 6 of 20
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 6 of 20

(a)

(b) (c)
Figure 3. Experimental setup. (a) Details of test setup; (b) Photo; (c) Roller.
Roller.

Instrumentation was used to measure measure thethe load,

load, displacements,
displacements, and and strains
strains of
of the
the specimen.
specimen. The
strain
strain gauge and the strain rosette were mounted reasonably on the link and the frameby
gauge and the strain rosette were mounted reasonably on the link and the frame beam electric
beam by
measurement to measure
electric measurement the strains
to measure theofstrains
both links andlinks
of both beamand segments (see Figure
beam segments 4). Figure
(see In addition,
4). In
the displacement
addition, was measured
the displacement by a displacement
was measured meter. Figure
by a displacement meter. 5Figure
gives 5the arrangement
gives of the
the arrangement
displacement measuring
of the displacement points;points;
measuring amongamong
them, the points
them, the 1, 2, and
points 1, 32,use
andpull-line displacement
3 use pull-line meters
displacement
and theand
meters restthe
userest
resistance strain gauges.
use resistance In this In
strain gauges. test, the
this DH3816
test, was used
the DH3816 wasto collect
used the data
to collect thefrom
data
the strain gauge and the strain rosette. The tester could effectively control the loading
from the strain gauge and the strain rosette. The tester could effectively control the loading process process and
use
andtheusesystem to collect
the system the displacement
to collect on the pull-line
the displacement displacement
on the pull-line sensor through
displacement sensorthe DH5922N
through the
dynamic
DH5922Ndata acquisition
dynamic system. system.
data acquisition
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 332 7 of 20
Appl.
Appl.Sci.
Sci.2019,
2019,9,9,xxFOR
FORPEER
PEERREVIEW
REVIEW 77 of
of 20
20

strain
strainrosette
rosette strain
straingauge
gauge
Figure
Figure4.
Figure 4.The
4. Themeasurement
measurementarrangement
arrangementof
ofstrain
straingauge
gaugeand
andstrain
and strainrosette.
strain rosette.
rosette.

1010
1111 1212

55
11
66 77
22 33
44 1313 1414
88

99

Figure
Figure5.5.The
Themeasurement
measurementarrangement
arrangementof
ofdisplacements.
displacements.

Figure
Figure 66 shows
shows the
shows the cyclic
the cyclic loading
loading pattern
pattern of of the test.
test. The
the test. displacement,∆∆𝒚𝒚y,, only
The displacement,
displacement, only considered
considered
applying
applying aahorizontal
applying horizontalcyclic
horizontal reciprocating
cyclic
cyclic reciprocating
reciprocating load to the
load
load to link,
to the and adopted
the link,
link, and
and adopted a displacement
adopted aa displacement
displacementcontrol control
loading
control
method.
loading It was
method. loaded
It was step by
loaded step
step according
by step to the
according multiple
to the of the
multiple yield
loading method. It was loaded step by step according to the multiple of the yield displacement of displacement
the yield ∆
displacement
y of the ∆∆𝒚𝒚
link
in
of the
of the constant-width
the link
link in
in the loading system
the constant-width
constant-width as follows:
loading
loading system
system as as ∆follows:
y , 0, − ∆0,
0, follows: y; ∆
0, 0,
∆𝒚𝒚,2∆
, 0,
0,y−∆0,𝒚𝒚;−
,−∆ 2∆2∆
; 0,
0, y ;𝒚𝒚0,
2∆ 3∆−2∆
,, 0,
0, −2∆ 𝒚𝒚;;−
y , 0, 0,3∆
0, 3∆y𝒚𝒚.,,.0,
3∆ .,
0,
and
−3∆ the
…, specimen
and the was
specimenloaded
was until
loaded complete
until failure.
complete
−3∆𝒚𝒚…, and the specimen was loaded until complete failure. failure.
𝒚

Figure 6. Loading history for the cyclic loading test.

Figure
Figure6.
6.Loading
Loadinghistory
historyfor
forthe
thecyclic
cyclicloading
loadingtest.
test.
 Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 8 of 20

3. Experimental Results and Discussion

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 332 8 of 20
3.1. Damage Processes and Failure Mode
The results
3. Experimental of the and
Results strain measurement indicated that the beam segments remained elastic during
Discussion
the test, and the damage occurred in the links only. Table 3 summarizes the process of visually
3.1.identified
Damage Processes
damage andandFailure Modeof ultimate failure. In this study, the failure of the specimen was
the cause
defined as theofpoint
The results where
the strain the shear strength
measurement dropped
indicated that thetobeam
below the linkremained
segments beam plastic duringVp .
strength
elastic
Paint coating bulging, web buckling, flange buckling, flange-to-end plate weld fracture,
the test, and the damage occurred in the links only. Table 3 summarizes the process of visually and failure
mode were
identified observed
damage in cause
and the the links. Figure 7failure.
of ultimate shows In
thethis
specimens and
study, the provides
failure of thea specimen
close lookwas
at the
primary failure mode.
defined as the point where the shear strength dropped to below the link beam plastic strength Vp . Paint
coating bulging, web buckling, flange buckling, flange-to-end plate weld fracture, and failure mode
Table 3. Damage and failure process of specimens.
were observed in the links. Figure 7 shows the specimens and provides a close look at the primary
failure mode.
Displacement of Link at Damage Occurrence (mm)
Paint Flange-to-end
TableWeb Flange
3. Damage and failure process of specimens. Failure Mode
Number Coating Plate Weld
Buckling Buckling
Bulging
Displacement of Link at Damage Occurrence (mm) Fracture
L1
Number
Paint17
Coating −
Web −
Flange 33
Flange-to-end Plate BrittleFailure Mode
fracture of welds
Bulging Buckling Buckling Weld Fracture
L2 19 − − 36 Brittle fracture of welds
L1
L3 17
20 31− −
42 33
52 BrittleFlexure
fracture yield
of welds
L2 19 − − 36 Brittle fracture of welds
L4
L3 21
20 3231 44
42 55
52 Flexure yield
Flexure yield
L5
L4 25
21 4032 52
44 57
55 Shear yield of web
Flexure yield
L5 25 40 52 57 Shear yield of web
L6 18 − − 30 Brittle fracture of welds
L6 18 − − 30 Brittle fracture of welds
L7
L7 26
26 4141 54
54 57
57 Shear yieldofof
Shear yield web
web
L8
L8 24
24 3535 47
47 51
51 Shear yield of
Shear yield of webweb

Weld crack

Paint coating crack

Weld transfixion Flange local buckling

(a) (b) (c)

Figure 7. Cont.
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 332 9 of 20
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Web and flange buckling

Weld fracture

Flange local buckling

Deformation of web

(d) (e) (f)

Flange buckling
Flange buckling

Deformation of web
Paint coating fell off

(g) (h)
Figure
Figure 7. Failure
7. Failure modes
modes of specimens
of specimens at final
at final stage.
stage. (a)(a)
L1;L1;
(b)(b)
L2;L2;
(c) (c)
L3;L3;
(d)(d)
L4;L4;
(e)(e)
L5;L5;
(f) (f)
L6;L6;
(g)(g)
L7;L7;
(h) (h)
L8.L8.

During
During thethe first
first to third
to third cycles
cycles of test
of test loading,
loading, all all specimens
specimens werewere in elastic
in elastic stage,
stage, and andnono obvious
obvious
damage
damage phenomenon
phenomenon was was observed.
observed. There
There werewere three
three stages
stages of cumulative
of cumulative damages
damages of all
of all specimens
specimens
under
under thethe low-cycle
low-cycle cyclic
cyclic loading.
loading. TheThe first
first stage
stage was wasthethe initial
initial stage
stage of of damage
damage process,
process, which
which waswas
characterized
characterized byby thethe initiation
initiation of the
of the specimens’
specimens’ webweb yield.
yield. The The yield
yield of of
webweb spread
spread fromfrombothboth
endsends
of of
thethe
linklink to the
to the middle
middle of the
of the linklink increased
increased withwiththethe loading
loading displacement,
displacement, where
where thetheweb web
paintpaint
coating
coating cracked
cracked or became
or became slightly
slightly bulged.
bulged. The duration
The duration of thisofstage
this stage was and
was long, long, and on
cracks cracks on the
the web
web
paint paint developed
coating coating developed
continuously,continuously, which is considered
which is considered to be the major to be the of
stage major
energy stage of energy
dissipation
anddissipation and damage accumulation.
damage accumulation. With the increase Withof the increase
loading of loadingthe
displacement, displacement, the damage
damage accumulated
accumulated
continually and continually and then
then the process the gradually
turned process turnedinto thegradually
second into thestage.
stable secondIn stable stage.
this stable In this
stage,
stable
some stage, someappeared
micro-cracks micro-cracks
on the appeared
welds of onSpecimens
the welds L1, of Specimens
L2, and L6L1, L2,Figure
(see and L67a).(seeForFigure
other7a).
For otherthe
specimens, specimens, the paint
paint coating bulgedcoating
more bulged moreand
obviously obviously
partial andpaintpartial paint
coating coating
tended tended
to fall to fall
off (see
off (see
Figure 7g). Figure 7g). darkening
The surface The surface of darkening
the steel couldof the steel could
be observed. be observed.
Strain measurement Strain measurement
indicated that
theindicated
yield range thatslowly
the yield range
spread to slowly
the edge spread
of theto the The
web. edgelink’s
of theshape
web. changed
The link’sfrom
shape changed from
rectangular to
rectangular
rhombic, to rhombic,
and slight and slight shear
shear deformation of thedeformation
web could be ofobserved.
the web could be stage
The last observed.
is theThe last stage.
failure stage is
Asthe failure
shown stage. 7b,
in Figure As the
shown
weldincracks
Figure of 7b, the weld
Specimens L1,cracks
L2, and of L6Specimens
increasedL1, L2, andand
gradually L6 tended
increased
gradually and tended to transfixion. However, the welds at the end plate could not continue to bear
the loading due to fracture or excessive cracks. The web and end plate of Specimens L3 and L4
dislocated relatively, and the flange of these specimens came up as slight local buckling (see Figure
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 332 10 of 20

to transfixion. However, the welds at the end plate could not continue to bear the loading due to
fracture or excessive cracks. The web and end plate of Specimens L3 and L4 dislocated relatively, and
the flange of these specimens came up as slight local buckling (see Figure 7c). For Specimens L5, L7,
and L8, the end of flange came up as large local buckling. As shown in Figure 7e, the webs of these
specimens came up as some larger buckling, which failed by shear yield.
From the above-mentioned damage processes, eight specimens showed primarily three types of
failure modes. The failure mode of Specimens L1, L2, and L6 was brittle failure of the link flange-to-end
plate weld that cracked (see Figure 7f), which was mainly caused by the distribution of complex residual
stress at the welds of the end plate due to the lack of a welding access hole. Specimens L3 and L4 failed
by local buckling of the flange after shear yield of the web (see Figure 7d), which was likely caused by
the energy dissipation of the link web yield coupled with the flexure yield of the flange. Specimens
L5, L7, and L8 failed by shear yield of the web, which was mainly caused by the incessant interactive
actions of the plastic development and deformation of the link web (see Figure 7h). In general, the
failure modes of Specimens L3, L4, L5, L7, and L8 were considered to be ductile failure. As a result of
the welding access hole adopted in the links, stress concentration at the weld was relieved.
From the above failure mode and damage process analyses, it was observed that cracks are the
major causes of damage to the EBF specimens. However, the strain gauges used cannot monitor the
damage to the EBF in real time and there is a lack of research on real-time monitoring of the onset and
development of these cracks in EBF structures. As a future work, a planned new approach will be
introduced in the later part of this section which employs piezoceramic patch transducers and active
sensing to monitor the crack onset and development of the EBF subject to dynamic loadings.

3.2. Stress Distribution and Damage Analysis

The principal stress σ, the main strain ε, the shear stress τ, and the shear strain γ were calculated
by treating the data of right-angle strained rosettes on the web according to the Formulas (2) and (3):
)
ε ◦ + ε 90◦ 1
q
ε1
2
2
= 0 ± ε 0◦ + ε 45◦ + ε 45◦ + ε 90◦ , (2)
ε2 2 2

γxy = 2ε 45◦ − ε 0◦ − ε 90◦ , (3)

where ε 0◦ , ε 45◦ , and ε 90◦ are, respectively, the strain in the horizontal, oblique, and vertical directions of
the strain rosette, and µ is the Poisson ratio of material. Through the data processing of the stress and
strain of each specimen, the measurement points of each specimen that came into plastic phase can
be obtained.
Figure 8 gives the yielded points on the web of each specimen. For Specimens L1, L2, and L6
without a welding access hole, and because of the residual stress effects at the welds of the end plate,
less than half of the measure points yielded, and only two of the measured points of Specimens L1 and
L6 came into the plastic phase before brittle failure occurred. Specimens L3, L4, L5, L7, and L8 were
less affected by the residual stress. Please note that L3 and L4 were damaged by flexure yield and L5,
L7, and L8 were damaged by shear damage. The stress at the end of the flange is much larger than
the yield stress of the material, and it is even close to or reaches the ultimate stress of the material for
specimens of flexure damage. The shear stress on the web mostly exceeded the shear strength of the
steel, and all the measured points yielded for specimens of shear yield. The yield area was large and
the welds of the end plate had hardly any cracks. It is indicated that the stress level at the ends of the
links decreased significantly using the welding access hole. Moreover, due to the welding access hole
adopted in Specimens L3, L4, L5, L7, and L8, the stress distribution of the web was more uniform from
the distribution of yielded points on the web of these specimens. At the same time, the connecting
bolts between the link and the beam hardly slipped. However, the conclusion is contrary to Specimens
L1, L2, and L6 without a welding access hole. The influence of the stiffener arrangement of the links on
the stress distribution of the web was not obvious after shear yielding for Specimens L3, L4, L5, L7, and
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 11 of 20
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 332 11 of 20
deformation, and the high-strength bolts connecting links with beam did not show bending and
shearing. In addition, the bolt hole walls were not damaged by the extrusion. At the same time, the
L8. Ason
stress thethe
linkframe
was damaged,
beam did both end plates
not exceed connecting
its yield stress, the
andlink
thehad no plastic
frame beam wasdeformation,
still in theand the
elastic
high-strength bolts connecting links with beam did not show bending and shearing.
phase. Combined with the stress state of the above eight specimens, the links could concentrate In addition, the
bolt hole
plastic walls were not
deformation intodamaged by the extrusion. At the same time, the stress on the frame beam did
themselves.
not exceed its yield stress,
In conclusion, link and the frame
damage beam was
is caused still in
by the the elastic
incessant phase. Combined
interactive actions with
of thetheplastic
stress
state of the above eight specimens, the links could concentrate the plastic deformation into
development and deformation, and it is possible to focus the structure’s inelasticity on the link. themselves.

(a) (b)

(c) (d)

(e) (f)

(g) (h)
Figure 8.8. Yielded
Yieldedpoints
pointsononthe
the web
web of of each
each specimen.
specimen. (a) (b)
(a) L1; L1; L2;
(b) (c)
L2;L3;
(c)(d)
L3;L4;
(d)(e)L4;
L5;(e)
(f) L5;
L6; (f)
(g) L6;
L7;
(g) L8.
(h) L7; (h) L8.

In conclusion,
3.3. Hysteresis link damage is caused by the incessant interactive actions of the plastic development
Curves
and deformation, and it is possible to focus the structure’s inelasticity on the link.
One of the important indicators to examine a structure’s seismic behavior is to analyze the
3.3. Hysteresiscapacity
deformation Curves and the energy dissipation capacity of the links using the hysteresis curve.
Figure 9 shows the hysteresis responses of Specimens L1–L8 under the cycle loading. All specimens
One of the important indicators to examine a structure’s seismic behavior is to analyze the
first went through the elastic stage, and then the link web began to yield. As a result, the plastic
deformation capacity and the energy dissipation capacity of the links using the hysteresis curve.
deformation of the structure gradually developed and the rigidity decreased as the loading cycles
Figure 9 shows the hysteresis responses of Specimens L1–L8 under the cycle loading. All specimens
increased. Comparing the hysteresis curves of the specimens, the hysteresis loops of Specimens L1,
first went through the elastic stage, and then the link web began to yield. As a result, the plastic
L2, and L6 are quite different from those of the others, which were induced by the brittle failure of
deformation of the structure gradually developed and the rigidity decreased as the loading cycles
the link flange-to-end plate weld. The residual stress had a great influence on the link weld, non-
increased. Comparing the hysteresis curves of the specimens, the hysteresis loops of Specimens L1, L2,
ductile failure occurred on the welds, and the plasticity of the specimens was not fully developed.
and L6 are quite different from those of the others, which were induced by the brittle failure of the link
These specimens exhibited different levels of pinching in the hysteresis loops due to slippage of the
flange-to-end plate weld. The residual stress had a great influence on the link weld, non-ductile failure
high-strength bolts. On the contrary, Specimens L3, L4, L5, L7, and L8 with the welding access holes
occurred on the welds, and the plasticity of the specimens was not fully developed. These specimens
showed full and stable hysteresis loops with stable energy dissipation. It showed that the welding
exhibited different levels of pinching in the hysteresis loops due to slippage of the high-strength bolts.
access holes of the link reduced the influence of residual stresses on the welds, and the energy
On the contrary, Specimens L3, L4, L5, L7, and L8 with the welding access holes showed full and stable
dissipation behavior of the link was improved.
hysteresis loops with stable energy dissipation. It showed that the welding access holes of the link
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 332 12 of 20

reduced the influence of residual stresses on the welds, and the energy dissipation behavior of the link
was improved.
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 12 of 20

600 600
(L1) (L2)
400 400
Load /kN

Load /kN
200 200
0 0
-200 -200
-400 -400
-600 -600
-60 -40 -20 0 20 40 60 -60 -40 -20 0 20 40 60
Displacement /mm Displacement /mm
(a) (b)
600 600
(L3) (L4)
400 400
Load /kN

Load /kN
200 200
0 0
-200 -200
-400 -400
-600 -600
-60 -40 -20 0 20 40 60 -60 -40 -20 0 20 40 60
Displacement /mm Displacement /mm
(c) (d)
600 600
(L5) (L6)
400 400
Load /kN

Load /kN

200 200
0 0
-200 -200
-400 -400
-600 -600
-60 -40 -20 0 20 40 60 -60 -40 -20 0 20 40 60
Displacement /mm Displacement /mm
(e) (f)
600 600
(L7) (L8)
400 400
Load /kN

Load /kN

200 200
0 0
-200 -200
-400 -400
-600 -600
-60 -40 -20 0 20 40 60 -60 -40 -20 0 20 40 60
Displacement /mm Displacement /mm
(g) (h)
Figure
Figure 9. Hysteresis
9. Hysteresis curvesofofspecimens.
curves specimens. (a)
(a) L1;
L1;(b)
(b)L2;
L2;(c)(c)L3;
L3;(d)(d)
L4;L4;
(e) (e)
L5; L5;
(f) L6;
(f) (g)
L6;L7;
(g)(h)
L7;L8.
(h) L8.
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 332 13 of 20
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 13 of 20

3.4. Energy
3.4. EnergyDissipation
Dissipation Behavior
Behavior
The energy
The energy dissipation
dissipation capacity
capacity of
of the
the structure
structure can
can be
be reflected
reflected by
by the
the energy
energy dissipation
dissipation
coefficient E
coefficient E and can bebe obtained
obtainedbybythe
thecalculation
calculationdiagram
diagramfor
forenergy
energydissipation
dissipationcoefficient E, E,
coefficient as
shown in Figure 10.
as shown in Figure 10.

Figure 10.
Figure 10. Calculation
Calculation diagram
diagram of
of energy
energy dissipation
dissipation coefficient
coefficientE.
E.

With
Withthe
thehelp
helpof
ofFigure 10,EEcanE be
Figure10, cancalculated according
be calculated to the
according tofollowing equation:
the following equation:
S1S
E = E= 1 , (4)
S∆AOB+∆COD, (4)
SΔAOB+ ΔCOD
where S1 is the area enclosed by the hysteresis loop of the specimen. Table 3 gives the dissipation
where S1 ofiseach
coefficient the area enclosed
specimen. by be
It can theseen
hysteresis
from the loop of that
table the specimen. Tablecoefficient
the dissipation 3 gives the ofdissipation
L3, L4, L5,
L7, and L8 with welding access holes was between 1.59 and 1.98, which is higher
coefficient of each specimen. It can be seen from the table that the dissipation coefficient of L3, than those without
L4, L5,
welding access holes such as Specimens L1, L2, and L6. This indicates that
L7, and L8 with welding access holes was between 1.59 and 1.98, which is higher than those without the welding access hole
effectively
welding accessimproves
holesthe energy
such dissipation
as Specimens L1,behavior
L2, and ofL6.the linkindicates
This and relieves
that the
the stress concentration
welding access hole
at the weld. From Table 4, the dissipation coefficient of L3 is 1.27% higher than
effectively improves the energy dissipation behavior of the link and relieves the stress concentration that of L5, and L4 is
17.85% higher
at the weld. thanTable
From that of
4, L7
theasdissipation
the lengthscoefficient
of the specimens and the
of L3 is 1.27% stiffener
higher thanspacing
that of are
L5, the
andsame.
L4 is
The links with relatively smaller cross-sections control the energy dissipation behavior
17.85% higher than that of L7 as the lengths of the specimens and the stiffener spacing are the same. of the structure
better,
The linksbecause
withtherelatively
links ensure the force
smaller transmissioncontrol
cross-sections on the same frame beam.
the energy Under behavior
dissipation the same length
of the
ratio, the dissipation
structure coefficient
better, because the linksof L4 is 24.53%
ensure higher
the force than that ofon
transmission L3the
andsame
L7 isframe
7% higher
beam.than thatthe
Under of
L5. The closer the stiffener arrangement of the link, the better the energy dissipation
same length ratio, the dissipation coefficient of L4 is 24.53% higher than that of L3 and L7 is 7% higher capacity; however,
itthan
should
thatnot
of be
L5.smaller thanthe
The closer 0.5 stiffener
times thearrangement
depth of section of the
of the links.
link, the better the energy dissipation
capacity; however, it should not be smaller than 0.5 times the depth of section of the links.
Table 4. Energy dissipation coefficient.

Number L1 Table
L2 4. Energy
L3 dissipation
L4 coefficient.
L5 L6 L7 L8
Number EL1 0.91L2 1.00 L3 1.59 1.98
L4 1.57 L5 0.78 1.68
L6 1.66
L7 L8
E 0.91 1.00 1.59 1.98 1.57 0.78 1.68 1.66
3.5. Skeleton Curves
3.5. Skeleton Curves
The skeleton curves of all specimens are symmetrically distributed under tension and compression,
whichThe can skeleton
better show curves of allstage,
the elastic specimens are symmetrically
the strengthening stage, and distributed under
the plastic stage tension
of the and
specimen.
compression,
The whichof
skeleton curves can better show
Specimens the and
L1, L2, elastic
L6 stage,
have no theplastic
strengthening
stage, as stage,
shownand the plastic
in Figure stage
11, which
of the
was specimen.
induced The
by the skeleton
brittle curves
failure of theoflink
Specimens L1, L2,plate
flange-to-end and weld
L6 haveandno plasticthe
because stage, as shown
plasticity in
of the
Figure 11, was
specimens whichnotwas
fullyinduced
developed.by the brittle failure
In contrast, of the link
the skeleton flange-to-end
curves of Specimens plate
L3, weld
L4, L5,and
L7,because
and L8
the plasticity
with of the specimens
welding access holes are more was not fullyindeveloped.
distinct each stage.InTable
contrast, the skeleton
5 summarizes thecurves
initial of Specimens
stiffness, the
L3, L4,
yield L5, L7,capacity
bearing and L8 with
Fy , thewelding
maximum access holes capacity
bearing are moreFdistinct in each
u , the yield stage. Table
displacement ∆y5, the
summarizes
ultimate
displacement ∆u , andthe
the initial stiffness, theyield
plasticbearing
rotationcapacity
angle γpFyof, the specimens.
maximum bearing capacity
The bearing Fu ,ofthe
capacity L8yield
was
larger than that of L5 and L7, and the bearing capacity of L5 and L7 were
displacement Δ y , the ultimate displacement Δ u , and the plastic rotation angle γp of thelarger than that of L3 and L4.
Itspecimens.
was explained that thecapacity
The bearing length ratio was larger
of L8ζ was smallerthan
andthat
the of
bearing
L5 andcapacity
L7, andwas larger. Incapacity
the bearing addition,
of
L5 and L7 were larger than that of L3 and L4. It was explained that the length ratio ζ was smaller and
Appl.
Appl. Sci.
Sci.2019,
2019,9,9,x332
FOR PEER REVIEW 1414ofof20
20

the bearing capacity was larger. In addition, the stiffener spacing for Specimens L3 and L4 was 200
mm and 150 mm,
the stiffener spacingrespectively, and the
for Specimens peakL4
L3 and load
wasdifference
200 mm and between themrespectively,
150 mm, was 13.6%. and The stiffener
the peak
spacing for Specimens
load difference between L5them
and L7 was
was 200 mm
13.6%. Theand 150 mm,
stiffener respectively,
spacing and the
for Specimens L5peak load
and L7 difference
was 200 mm
between
and 150 them was 9.2%. Nevertheless,
mm, respectively, and the peaktheload
yield loads of Specimens
difference between them L3 and
wasL49.2%.
are approximately
Nevertheless, the the
same, as areofthose
yield loads of Specimens
Specimens L3 and L5
L4 and L7. It is shownthe
are approximately that stiffener
same, spacing
as are those ofhas a greater L5
Specimens influence
and L7.
on
It isthe peakthat
shown loadstiffener
than on the yield
spacing has load. Thisinfluence
a greater occurs because of the
on the peak comparatively
load closeload.
than on the yield stiffener
This
arrangement
occurs because of the specimen,
of the and theclose
comparatively buckling of the
stiffener web can be limited
arrangement as the peak
of the specimen, andload
theisbuckling
increased.of
The bearing
the web can capacities
be limited of as L1
theand
peakL2load
wereis less than those
increased. of L3 and
The bearing L4, and of
capacities theL1bearing
and L2capacity
were lessofthan
L6
was
thoseless than
of L3 and that
L4,of LB5,
and theLB7, andcapacity
bearing LB8, respectively, which
of L6 was less thanshows
that ofthat
LB5,the welding
LB7, and LB8, access hole is
respectively,
conducive
which shows to delaying the damage
that the welding of specimens.
access hole is conducive to delaying the damage of specimens.

600
L1
400 L2
L3
L4
200 L5
L6
Load/kN

L7
0
L8

-200

-400

-600
-60 -40 -20 0 20 40 60
Displacement /mm

Figure 11. Skeleton curve of loading displacement of each test specimen.

Figure 11. Skeleton curve of loading displacement of each test specimen.
Table 5. Mechanical properties of the specimens.
Table 5. Mechanical properties of the specimens.
Yield Limit
Initial Stiffness Yield Load Peak Load Plastic Rotation
Number Yieldf /kN Displacement
Yield Peak Displacement
Limit Plastic
Initial
KN/mm y ∆y /mm
f /kN
u ∆u /mm
Angle γp /rad
Number Stiffness fy Displacement fu Displacement Rotation Angle
L1 9.0 Load 93.3 12.4 Load218.8 32.8
γ0.07
L2 KN/mm 16.1 Δ y
/mm Δ u /mm
p
/rad
/kN 155.3 10.8
/kN314.4 32.2 0.08
L3 16.2 190.0 14.0 276.0 35.5 0.10
L1 L4 9.015.9 93.3 192.3 12.4 15.6 218.8
319.4 32.8
53.7 0.07
0.15
L2 L5 16.119.0 155.3 286.8 10.8 17.9 420.0
314.4 47.5
32.2 0.14
0.08
L6 26.7 288.5 13.4 441.2 31.3 0.09
L3 L7 16.219.1 190.0 288.4 14.0 19.2 276.0
462.6
35.5
57.7
0.10
0.16
L4 L8 15.926.4 192.3 194.4 15.6 11.1 319.4
515.0 53.7
45.3 0.15
0.15
L5 19.0 286.8 17.9 420.0 47.5 0.14
L6The initial 26.7 288.5
stiffness of Specimens 13.4and L6 was441.2
L1, L2, not considered31.3 0.09 failure
because of the brittle
L7 19.1 288.4 19.2 462.6 57.7
in the elastic stage. According to the skeleton curve, the other specimens underwent the elastic0.16 stage
L8 26.4 194.4 11.1 515.0 45.3
and the linear strengthening stage. The initial stiffness of L8 was larger than that of L5, L7, 0.15L3, and
L4, which shows that the smaller the length ratio ζ, the larger the initial stiffness. The skeleton curve
The
trends ofinitial
both L3stiffness
and L4ofare
Specimens
the same,L1, as L2,
wereand L6 was
those of L5not
andconsidered because
L7. It is clear of the
that the brittlespacing
stiffener failure
in the elastic stage. According to the skeleton
has little effect on the initial stiffness. curve, the other specimens underwent the elastic stage
and the linear strengthening stage. The initial stiffness of L8 was larger than that of L5, L7, L3, and
L4,
3.6.which
Plasticshows that
Rotation the smaller the length ratio ζ, the larger the initial stiffness. The skeleton curve
Angle
trends of both L3 and L4 are the same, as were those of L5 and L7. It is clear that the stiffener spacing
The inelastic rotation angle, γp , is evaluated by removing the contributions of elastic response
has little effect on the initial stiffness.
from the link rotation angle. While the link rotation included components attributed to the elastic
deformation
3.6. of the vertical
Plastic Rotation Angle link and frame beam, those components were removed to obtain the
inelastic rotation angle. Table 5 shows that the plastic rotation angles of all the specimens are between
0.08 The
and inelastic
0.16 except
rotation angle, γpL1,
for Specimen , is which satisfies
evaluated the limitthe
by removing requirement of AISC
contributions 341-10
of elastic for the
response
from the link rotation angle. While the link rotation included components attributed to the elastic
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 15 of 20

deformation of the vertical link and frame beam, those components were removed to obtain the
inelastic rotation angle. Table 5 shows that the plastic rotation angles of all the specimens are between
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 332 15 of 20
0.08 and 0.16 except for Specimen L1, which satisfies the limit requirement of AISC 341-10 for the
plastic rotation angles of link beams of eccentrically braced steel frames exceeding 0.08rad. It
plastic rotation
indicates that theangles
lengthof link
ratiobeams
is theofmain
eccentrically braced steel
factor affecting the frames
plasticexceeding 0.08rad.The
rotation angles. It indicates
plastic
rotation angles of L1, L2, and L6 are smaller than those of other specimens. The welding accessangles
that the length ratio is the main factor affecting the plastic rotation angles. The plastic rotation hole
of L1, L2,
reduces theand L6 areofsmaller
influence residual than those
stress of welds,
at the other specimens.
which avoids Thethewelding access hole reduces
stress concentration and makes the
influence
the links have of residual
a betterstress
plasticat deformation
the welds, which avoids
ability. the stress
The plastic angleconcentration
of L4 is 50%and makes
larger thanthe links
that of
have a better plastic deformation ability. The plastic angle of L4 is 50% larger
L3 and the plastic angle of L7 is 14% larger than that of L5 under a different stiffener arrangement,than that of L3 and the
plasticindicates
which angle of L7 is 14%
that larger
the link withthan that ofstiffener
smaller L5 underspacing
a different
hasstiffener
a better arrangement, whichcapacity.
shear deformation indicates
that
In the link with
summary, smaller
the length stiffener
ratio, weldingspacing hasholes,
access a better
andshear deformation
stiffener capacity.
spacing are In summary,
the important the
factors
length ratio,
affecting welding
the plastic access holes,
deformation and stiffener
capacity spacing are the important factors affecting the plastic
of links.
deformation capacity of links.
3.7. Stiffness Degradation
3.7. Stiffness Degradation
Stiffness degradation represents the tendency of the structure’s stiffness to gradually decrease
as theStiffness
loading degradation
cycles increase,represents
which can the tendency of the
fully reflect the structure’s
development stiffness to gradually
of plastic decrease
deformation as
of the
the loading cycles increase, which can fully reflect the development of plastic
links. The stiffness of a specimen was commonly evaluated in accordance with the following formula: deformation of the links.
The stiffness of a specimen was commonly evaluated in accordance with the following formula:
+ −
 Pi + Pi 
Ki = Pi + + +  Pi −−  (5)
Ki =  Δ   i − , (5)
∆i +i ++ Δ ∆i ,

andPi −P are,
+ −
where, K
where, Kii is the stiffness atat ii loading cycle, PiP+i and
loading cycle, i respectively,
are, respectively, thethemaximum
maximum load at the
load at
+ +− -
positive
the andand
positive negative directions
negative at i loading
directions at i loading and ∆iand
cycle, cycle, andΔ∆i i and are, respectively, the maximum
Δ i are, respectively, the
displacement
maximum at both theatpositive
displacement both theand negative
positive and directions at i loading
negative directions at icycle.
loading The secant
cycle. Thestiffness
secant
method method
stiffness was used wastoused
get the stiffness
to get degradation
the stiffness degradationcurvecurveof each specimen,
of each specimen, as shown
as shown in Figure
in Figure12.
There
12. Therewaswas a slight decrease
a slight decrease ininstiffness
stiffnesswith
withananincrease
increasein indisplacement.
displacement. The stiffnessstiffness degradation
degradation
rangesof
ranges ofSpecimens
SpecimensL1 L1through
throughL8 L8are
are25.6%,
25.6%,43.5%,
43.5%,52.5%,
52.5%,50.3%,
50.3%,58.9%,
58.9%,59.5%,
59.5%,43.1%,
43.1%,and
and58.1%,
58.1%,
respectively. The stiffness degradation amplitude of Specimen L3 is larger
respectively. The stiffness degradation amplitude of Specimen L3 is larger than that of Specimen L4, than that of Specimen L4,
whichshows
which showsthat thatthe
theearlier
earlierthe
thespecimen
specimenyields,
yields,the themore
moreobvious
obviousthe thestiffness
stiffnessdegradation
degradationwill willbe.
be.
Thestiffness
The stiffnessdegradation
degradationrate rateof ofSpecimen
SpecimenL4 L4isis50.3%,
50.3%,which
whichisislesslessthan
than58.1%
58.1%of ofSpecimen
SpecimenL7, L7,and
and
the degradation
the degradation rate of of Specimen
SpecimenL3 L3isis52.5%,
52.5%,which
whichis is
lesslessthan 58.9%
than 58.9% of Specimen
of Specimen L5. L5.
It explains that
It explains
stiffness
that degradation
stiffness is obvious
degradation with the
is obvious with decrease of length
the decrease of ratio
length The stiffness
ζ. ratio degradation
ζ. The stiffness ranges of
degradation
Specimens
ranges L5 and L7L5
of Specimens areand
basically
L7 arethe same, which
basically shows
the same, that the
which stiffener
shows that spacing has little
the stiffener effecthas
spacing on
the stiffness
little effect ondegradation.
the stiffness degradation.

30
L1
L2
25 L3
L4
L5
20
Stiffness kN/mm

L6
L7
L8
15

10

0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
Displacement /mm

Figure12.
Figure Stiffnessdegradation
12.Stiffness degradationcurve
curveof
ofeach
eachtest
testspecimen.
specimen.

3.8. Discussion on Real-Time Damage Monitoring

3.8. Discussion on Real-Time Damage Monitoring
It is clear from the above analyses that cracks and bolt failures were observed during the tests.
From this research, we see the urgent need for crack monitoring and bolt loosening monitoring after a
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 332 16 of 20

seismic event. However, the strain gauge sensors used cannot monitor these types of damages in real
time. During recent years, emphasis has been placed on structural health monitoring (SHM) [47,48] in
civil engineering [49–51]. An SHM system has the ability to monitor the health status of a structure in
real time based on integrated sensors and to issue early warnings based on advanced algorithms to
prevent catastrophic consequences [52–54]. A commonly used type of sensor in SHM is the PZT (lead
zirconate titanate) [55–58], a type of piezoceramic material with a strong piezoelectric effect. Enabled
by the piezoelectric effect, a PZT transducer can be used as an actuator [59,60] or as a sensor [61,62].
PZT transducers have other advantages, such as wide bandwidth [63–66], fast response, and low
cost. Therefore, PZT transducers are often be used to generate and detect stress waves in an SHM
system [67–70].
As we continue future work, we plan to use PZT patch transducers, which can be easily bonded
onto the outer surface of structures, to monitor the onset and development of cracks. From this study,
we know the approximate locations for potential cracks. Two PZT patches will be strategically placed
across the potential location. The so-called active sensing method [71–74] will be adopted to monitor
the cracks. In the active sensing approach, one PZT patch will be used to generate a stress wave that
can propagate along a structure, and another PZT patch can also be used as a sensor to detect the
stress wave. If a crack, which functions as a stress relieve [75,76], is formed, the energy of the stress
wave that travels across the crack will be greatly reduced, based on which the onset and development
of the crack on the structure can be monitored in real time. Using the active sensing approach, bolt
loosening can be detected by surface-bonded PZT on the bolt head and on the structure since a bolt
loosening event will significantly alter the stress wave propagating between the two PZT patches. In
our future tests, we will explore the use of PZT patches to quickly evaluate structural integrity by
detecting cracks and bolt loosening after a seismic event.

4. Conclusions
Cyclic quasi-static tests were performed on eight replaceable links with different parameters in
EBF. The seismic behavior and damage modes of specimens were analyzed. As the replaceable links
are separated from the frame beams, inelastic deformation is concentrated in the shear link during a
severe earthquake; therefore, damaged links can be easily replaced. Based on the results, the following
conclusions were drawn:

(1) The failure mode of specimens without welding access holes was brittle failure of the link
flange-to-end plate weld that cracked, which was caused by the distribution of complex residual
stress at the welds of the end plate. Owing to the welding access hole adopted in links,
stress distribution of the web was more uniform, and the failure modes of specimens were
ductile failure.
(2) Stress distribution of the web was more uniform for links with the welding access hole than for
links without the welding access hole, and the effect of the stiffener of specimens after shear
yielding was not obvious. Link damage is caused by the incessant interactive actions of the plastic
development and deformation, and it is possible to focus the structure’s inelasticity on the link.
(3) The hysteresis curves of the replaceable links with welding access holes were stable and the
inelastic deformation of the structure could be concentrated in the links. The link was treated
using welding access holes that had a prominent effect on the improvement of seismic behavior.
(4) The energy dissipation capacity of the specimen was mainly dependent on the arrangement of
stiffeners and the welding access holes. When the dimensions and lengths of the specimens
were the same, the energy dissipation capacity of the specimen with relatively closer stiffener
spacing was better. The energy dissipation capacity of the specimen with welding access holes
was better than that of specimens without welding access holes, where welding access holes
relieved stress distribution.
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 332 17 of 20

(5) Welding access holes effectively enhanced the plastic deformation capacity of the links, where
the minimum plastic rotation angle of the specimen was 0.10rad and the maximum was 0.16rad.
As the section dimension and length of the link were the same, the stiffener spacing had the same
remarkable effect on the plastic deformation capacity of the link.
(6) The stiffener spacing, the welding access holes, and the length ratio ζ had a remarkable effect
on the bearing capacity of the links. The bearing capacity of the specimen with welding access
holes was better than the other specimens. The smaller the length ratio ζ, the larger the bearing
capacity would be. The length ratio ζ had a great influence on the initial stiffness of the link.
(7) The stiffness degradation of the link was mainly dependent on the length ratio ζ. As the length
and the stiffener spacing were the same, the smaller the length ratio ζ of the specimen, the more
obvious the stiffness degradation.
(8) In our future work, we will explore the use of PZT patches and the active sensing method to
quickly evaluate structural integrity by detecting cracks and bolt loosening after a seismic event.

Author Contributions: Z.Y. designed the experiments. D.F. performed the experiments. Z.Y., D.F., and W.Y.
analyzed the data and wrote the paper.
Funding: This research was supported in part by the National NSFC (Natural Science Foundation of China)
(51368037, 51568040), the Basic Research Foundation of Colleges, and the Universities of Gansu Province.
Acknowledgments: The research presented in this paper is part of Project (51368037, 51568040) supported by
National Natural Science Foundation of China. In addition, authors would like to acknowledge the support from
Lanzhou University of Technology in China experimental equipment for this research and Ningxia University for
providing technical consultation.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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