Replaceable shear link under cyclic loading in Abaqus

Product Overview

In this example, we intend to simulate a Replaceable Shear Link under cyclic loading in the Abaqus software.

Replaceable shear links are used in eccentrically braced frames (EBFs) to concentrate inelastic deformation in the link and dissipate seismic energy while allowing the damaged link to be replaced after a major earthquake.

The numerical model is based on an experimental study of replaceable shear links with end-plate connections. The cyclic behavior of the link is investigated using the moment–rotation hysteresis response and deformation obtained from the Abaqus analysis.

The numerical results are compared with the experimental results to evaluate the ability of the model to reproduce the main cyclic behavior and deformation response of the replaceable shear link.

Replaceable Shear Link

A replaceable shear link is a structural component designed to undergo controlled inelastic deformation and dissipate seismic energy during an earthquake.

In an eccentrically braced frame (EBF), the shear link acts as a ductile energy-dissipating component, while the surrounding structural members are designed to remain less damaged.

The replaceable configuration allows the damaged link to be removed and replaced after a major seismic event, reducing the need to repair or replace the main structural members.

In the experimental study used for this project, the shear links are connected to the surrounding structure using end-plate connections, and their behavior is investigated under cyclic loading.

Cyclic Loading

The replaceable shear link is subjected to cyclic loading in Abaqus to reproduce the experimental loading protocol.

The loading history is defined using an amplitude curve, allowing the prescribed cyclic deformation to be applied according to the experimental loading sequence.

Moment-Rotation Hysteresis Diagram

After applying the cyclic loading, the Moment-Rotation hysteresis diagram is obtained from the Abaqus results.

As you observe in the picture, the Moment-Rotation hysteresis diagram obtained from the Abaqus software is compared with the experimental results.

The numerical hysteresis response is compared with the experimental results to evaluate how well the Abaqus model reproduces the behavior of the replaceable shear link under cyclic loading.

Deformation Comparison

In specimen 6, significant deformation develops in the end-plate under loading. The relatively thin end-plate undergoes considerable bending deformation, leading to the development of inelastic strains around the connection region.

The deformation of the end-plate also affects the overall response of the replaceable shear link. As the end-plate yields, the connection becomes more flexible and yielding initiates at a lower bending moment.

As you observe in the picture, the deformation pattern obtained from the numerical model is in good agreement with the experimental results.

Validation

This project has been validated, which means that the results obtained from the Abaqus software are similar to the results reported in the reference article.

In other words, this project is based on the reference article, and the numerical model has been developed to reproduce the experimental behavior of the replaceable shear link under cyclic loading.

What You Will Learn

• How to model a replaceable shear link in Abaqus.
• How to define the material properties.
• How to define the boundary conditions.
• How to apply cyclic loading.
• How to define the cyclic loading amplitude.
• How to obtain the Moment-Rotation hysteresis diagram.
• How to extract the rotation and moment results from Abaqus.
• How to compare the Abaqus hysteresis diagram with experimental results.
• How to investigate the deformation of the replaceable shear link.
• How to compare the numerical deformation with experimental results.
• How to validate the numerical model using the reference article.

Key Features

• Replaceable Shear Link modeling in Abaqus.
• Cyclic loading analysis.
• Rotation-Moment hysteresis analysis.
• Comparison between Abaqus and experimental hysteresis results.
• Comparison of numerical and experimental deformation.
• Validation against the reference article.
• Complete Abaqus CAE file.
• Abaqus INP file.
• Excel file (Amplitude Loading).
• Excel file (Results).
• Reference research paper.
• Step-by-step video tutorial.

Reference

This project is based on the reference research article. The paper is included with the project files and can be used to review the experimental model, cyclic loading protocol, and reported results.