Seismic Performance of Welded Stainless Steel H-Section Columns under Cyclic Horizontal Loading

Abstract

This study investigated the seismic performance of welded stainless steel H-section columns. Ten columns were tested under cyclic horizontal load; their seismic performance was analyzed according to their hysteresis curves, degree of plasticity, and energy dissipation capacity. The test results obtained were used to validate the developed finite-element (FE) model, which was later utilized in parametric studies. In the tests, it was found that the final failure form of all test columns was local buckling. Slenderness of the component plates and axial load ratio were the governing factors which affected the development of plasticity within the cross sections, the energy dissipation density, and the ductility coefficient. The cross-section classification in the relevant European code is discussed in this paper. Based on numerical data, a ductility-based design approach is proposed, which can provide a reference for the seismic design of welded stainless steel H-section columns.