Simplified methods to predict the robustness of steel parking-structure joints

An innovative simplified method for incorporating the behaviour of structural joints in structural analyses of steel parking-structure is proposed in this study. The method is based on the conventional mechanical modelling of joints through special springs that accommodate the arching effect and moment-axial force (M-N) interaction. The characterization of these springs in terms of stiffness and resistance is performed using analytical formulae. The accuracy of the proposed method is validated through comparisons to results from advanced numerical methods conducted on a multi-scale approach. Its implementation in sub-structure models is then demonstrated, with the main advantage of extremely reducing the modelling and computational time. Validated sub-structure models are finally employed to investigate the influence of the joint properties on the response of parking structures under vehicle collision scenarios. The results show that considering the rigid and semi-rigid joints in the research are characterised by the welded and bolted connections in the research, for a structure built in a courtyard, bolted connections (semi-rigid joints) are recommended, while for the same structure built near an urban road, welded connections (rigid joints) should be considered to enhance the overall robustness.