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steel test protocol
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Background
Document
Steel Project
Protocol for Fabrication, Inspection, Testing, and
Documentation of Beam-Column Connection Tests and
Other Experimental Specimens
Report No. SAC/BD-97/02
Version 1.1
SAC Joint Venture
a partnership of:
Structural Engineers Association of California (SEAOC)
Applied Technology Council (ATC)
California Universities for Research in Earthquake Engineering (CUREe)
Prepared for use in the Phase 2 Experimental Program by
Peter Clark, Technical Assistant to the Project Management Committee
with contributions from
Karl Frank, Helmut Krawinkler, Robert Shaw
SAC Joint Venture
555 University Avenue, Suite 126
Sacramento, California 95825
916-427-3647
October 1997
‘The Background Document series has been developed as a means to disseminate information related to the
mission of the Stee! Project that has not been reviewed as part of the formal report series. Background Doc-
uments are provided for informational purposes only and do not necessarily represent official findings or
recommendations of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the SAC Joint Vearure and its
‘organizations, or any other project participants. 4
Table of Contents
1. Introduction and Overview
2. General Requirements
3. Pre-Test Activities
4. Test Set-Up
5. Test Documentation
6. Data Processing, Reporting, and Archiving
7. Summary of Submittal Requirements
Appendix A: Proposed Weld Procedure Specifications
Appendix B: Guidelines for Welding Quality and Inspection
Appendix C: Installation Procedures for High-strength Bolts
Appendix D: Guidelines for Tension Testing of Rolled Shapes Used in
SAC Testing Program
Appendix E: Loading Protocol for Stepwise Increasing Cyclic Tests
Appendix F: Instrumentation and Data Acquisition Requirements
Appendix G: Data Sheets and Checklists for Fabrication/Inspection and Test
Documentation/Data Processing APPENDIX C
INSTALLATION PROCEDURES FOR HIGH-STRENGTH BOLTS
cr i
Introduction
‘The following protocol is for the sampling, installation and inspection of high-strength bolts.
used in connections undergoing full-scale testing. Methods are presented for three conditions:
«snug-tight only,
«pretensioned to the minimum required pretension, and.
«pretensioned using standard approved shop and field practices.
Design, use and installation is governed by the American Institute of Steel Construction
(AISC) Specification for Structural Steel Buildings, either ASD or LRFD, and the Research
Council on Structural Connections (RCSC) Specification for Structural Joints Using ASTM A325
and A490 Bolts. Additional information for special applications may be drawn from the Structural
Bolting Handbook, published by the Steel Structures Technology Center (SSTC)
Materials
Bolts, auts and washers to be used for testing shall be purchased from domestic manufactur-
crs with full manufacturer's certifications in accordance with the ASTM specifications. It is not
necessary to repeat any physical testing of the fastener products to Verify the manufacturer's test
results. The manufacturer and lot numbers of the fasteners used shall be recorded. Preferably, fas-
teners shal] be ordered in sufficient quantities so that the same lot may be used for each diameter,
length and grade required. A common lot may be used for nuts and washers for a given diameter
and grade.
‘Nuts shall be ASTM A563 grade DH or DH3, or ASTM A194 grade 2H. Alternatively, ASTM
‘A563 nuts of grades C, C3 and D, or ASTM A194 grade 2, may be used provided the hardness as
tested is at least 89 HRB or 180 Brinell. This is necessary to minimize the risk of nut thread strip-
ping when performing testing in the bolt calibrator.
Although permitted for field use, the use of mechanically galvanized or hot dip galvanized fas-
teners is not recommended for laboratory testing. The overtapping of the nut threads increases the
risk of thread stripping when overtightened.
Although permitted for field use, the use of twist-off bolts for laboratory testing is not recom-
mended because of the difficulties in achieving exact control of specific levels of tension for vari-
ous test purposes. Where twist-off bolts are used, confirmation or calibration of bolt tension
through the use of load indicator washers shall be made,
All fasteness are to be stored by fot in closed containers, kept clean and dry. Black (uncoated
fasteners) shall be oily to the touch, Do not relubricate any individual fasteners unless the entire
lot is relubricated in the same manner. If relubricated, the fastener assembly must have the Pre-
Installation Testing and Calibration testing, as described below, performed prior to use.
Joint Design and Tightening
Bolt lengths shall be selected so that the bolt end is at feast flush with the outer face of the nut
after installation,
Joints will preferably be configured so that che fastener assembly will be tightened by turning
the nut rather than turning the bolt head. The bolt head must be held when turning the nut, and
vice versa.
c2 For testing purposes and torque measurement consistency, even though not required by RCSC
for all cases, hardened steel ASTM F436 washers shall be used beneath the tumed element
For joint behavior that is dependent upon slip resistance (a slip-critical joint), the joint should
be tensioned to the minimum required pretension, For joints in direct tension, the joints may be
tightened to either the minimum required pretension, or pretensioned using standard approved
shop and field practices, which will generally provide tensions higher than the minimum required
pretension. For joints where bolt tension would not affect the behavior of the joint, the snug-tight
only condition should be used.
Note: There is a proposed change in the RCSC Specification that would permit fasteners in
direct tension joints to be installed only to the snug tight condition, Currently, they niust be pre-
tensioned. Verify the RCSC provisions with the Project Director for Topical Investigations prior to
testing
Pre-Installation Testing and Calibration
The following procedures are to establish benchmark values for certain tightening operations
and to verify the suitability of the fastener assembly. The AASHTO/FHWA Rotational Capacity
Test Procedure has been adapted for use in this section, For further details on the original
AASHTO/FHWA test procedure, see SSTC pages 68-14.
Prior to installation in the test joint, five bolts, nuts and washers of the lots to be used in the
test joint shall be subjected to pre-installation testing in a Skidmore-Wilhelm bolt tension calibra-
tor or similar device. Each assembly shall be placed in the calibrator, oriented in the same manner
s0 that the element tuned (bolt head or nut) in the calibrator is also the element turned in the test
joint. The washer used as a part of the assembly shall be placed directly below the turned element.
‘Additional fiat washers or plates shall be used to provide approximately two threads of stickout
beyond the face of the nut prior to tightening. For long bolts, several washers in a stack may pro-
vide questionable calibration results, and therefore solid steel plates or stacks of flat plates are rec-
ommended for assemblies requiring more than one inch of stacked washers.
‘The assembly shall then be tightened by hand with a spud wrench or similar hand wrench. Do
not exceed the required pretension. Upon completion of snugging, matchmark the end of the bolt,
face of the nut, and face of the calibrator with a single straight line,
Tighten the assemibly until the assembly teaches the required pretension as provided in AISC
Table J3.7, as provided below.
re A325 Bolt | A490 Bolt
1 iz 5
se 9 24
3A 28 35
78 ® 2
1 3 &
1-8 56 30 |
ia 7 102
c3 a Cat [4325 Bolt] 4490 Bolt
1-3/8 85. 121
ria 103 18
Using a manual torque wrench with a dial-type torque indicator, measure the torque at this
condition by applying the torque wrench in the tightening direction, placing the wrench into
‘motion adequate to provide approximately 5° additional rotation. Record his torque value. The
torque must not exceed the torque, measured in foot-pounds, per the following table. If the torque
exceeds this amount, then the fastener assembly is considered poorly lubricated and should not be
used until relubricated and retested.
| Bolt Diameter (in.) | A325 Bolt | A490 Bolt
i 150 180
38 290 360
34 500 630
78 820 1030
i 1230 1540
Lis 1500 2160
1 2140 3060
1-38 2810 3990,
112 3690 5320
Further tum the nut until the required tum for pretensioning is provided in accordance with
RCSC Table 5, as provided below. Bolt length is measured from the underside of the bolt head to
the end of the bolt. Record the bolt tension as measured in the bolt calibrator. Measure and record
the torque at this tension using the same steps as in the previous paragraph.
Bolt Length Rotation
‘upto apd including 4 diameters 1B wun
‘over 4 but not exceeding 8 diameters 1tum
‘over & but not exceeding 12 diameters 23 tum
Further tighten the assembly until a total of twice the number of turns required by RCSC Table
5 has been provided, as stated in the following table:
Bolt Length Rotation
‘pt and including 4 diameters Tum
over 4 bat not exceeding 8 diameters Tam
over & but not exceeding 12 diameters 1-18 wr
Record the bolt tension. The tension at his point should not be less than 15% higher than the
ca te
‘minimum required pretension, as provided per the table below.
Bolt Diameter (in.} | A325 Bolt | A490 Bolt
12 ia 77
38 2 ro
3a 32 4
78 45 56
i 3 76
re CI 7
2 7
8 39
118 v0
‘Remove the assembly from the Skidmore. Visually inspect the bolt threads and nut threads for
any visual indications of stripping.
Should a specific combination of bolt lot, nut lot and washer lot be changed, the above Pre-
Installation Testing Procedure shall be repeated for the new combination of lots.
Short Bolts
For bolts too short to fit into a Model M or Model L Skidmore-Wilhelm bolt calibration
device, the use of the Model MS Skidmore-Wilhelm is recommended. Alternatively, the use of
“calibrated” direct tension indicators (dti's) is permitted to verify minimum required bolt tension
values. For calibration of dti’s, see SSTC page 17. Calibrated dti’s may not be used to establish or
verify turn-of-nut procedures. Ahemative methods must be used for turn-of-nut verification, or
the dti installation procedure as described in SSTC page 30 or 31 may be used in lieu of rurn-of-
nut tightening.
‘Tightening a Joint to the Snug Tight Condition
The snug tight condition is defined as “the tightness achieved with the full effort of a worker
with an ordinary spud wrench or a few hits of an impact wrench that brings the connected plies
into firm contact.” For the purposes of laboratory testing, the use of impact wrenches for snugging
operations should be limited to parts over 1 inch in thickness or joints that have substantial gaps
between the parts.
The joint must have the steel in contact immediately around each bolt hole. It is not necessary
to have the steel in contact at outer edges of the joint, such as the edges of plates or the heels or
toes of angles. For materials of 1-1/2 inches in thickness or more, it may not be possible to bring
the joint into contact around the bolt holes when there is severe misalignment of parts. In this
case, impact wrenches must be used for snugging the joint and the steel must be brought into solid
contact where possible. For further discussion, see SSTC page 56.
Joints must be snugged in a systematic manner, starting from the most rigid part of the joint
and proceeding toward the free edges, or from the part in contact toward the part of the joint not in
contact.
es Pretensioning a Joint to the Minimum Required Pretension
Bring the joint to the snug tight condition as described above. Using a manual torque wrench,
apply the torque for the required minimum pretension as measured in the Pre-Installation Testing
and Calibration procedure above. Joints should be pretensioned in a systematic manner, from the
most rigid part of the joint to the free edges, and marked so that no assemblies are inadvertently
missed.
Pretensioning Using Standard Approved Shop and Field Practices
Although other pretensioning methods (calibrated wrench, twist-off bolts, alternative design
fasteners, and direct tension indicators) are approved for ase under RCSC Specification, the tum-
of-nut method is the method anticipated to be the most commonly used for heavy structural con-
nections in building applications, and therefore has been selected for this protocol. Other methods
may be used with the approval of the Project Director for Topical Investigations.
Bring the joint to the snug tight condition as described above. Matchmark the end of the bolt,
the face of the nut, and the face of the steel using a straight line.
Using a manual torque wrench or impact wrench, apply the required rotation from RCSC
Table 5 for the given bolt diameter and length. Verify that the required turns have been provided
by visual inspection. Joints should be pretensioned in a systematic manner, from the most rigid
part of the joint to the free edges, and marked so that no assemblies are inadvertently missed.
Upon completion of installation, use a manual torque wrench to measure the actual torque on
‘one installed fastener per joint. Record this value. It is not expected that this torque will match the
torque measured for a given rotation in the bolt calibration device, and is likely to be higher.
Assuming a linear torque-tension relationship, the actual installed bolt tension may be estimated
from the torque-tension relationship established in the Pre-Installation Testing performed above.
Strain-Gaging
If desired, some testing may be performed using strain-gaged bolts to determine bolt behavior
during testing. Follow the gage manufacturer's written instructions on the set-up and use of such
gages.
References
RFD Specification for Structural Joints Using A325 or A490 Bolts, June 3, 1994, American
Institute of Steel Construction, Inc., One East Wacker Drive, Suite 3100, Chicago, IL 60601-
2001, 312-670-2400
‘Structural Bolting Handbook, May, 1996, Steel Structures Technology Center, Inc., 42400 W.
Nine Mile Rd., Novi, MI 48375-4132, 248-344-2910
cs APPENDIX D
GUIDELINES FOR TENSION TESTING OF ROLLED SHAPES
USED IN SAC TESTING PROGRAM Introduction
The purpose of performing the tensile tests of the sections used in the SAC Phase 2 testing
program is to provide consistent material strength data which will allow the structural perfor-
mance of the sections relative to their steel strength to be determined. A mill test report should be
obtained for each section used in the test program. A copy of the mill test report and the tension
tests done as outlined in this guide should be sent to Karl H. Frank and James O. Malley for distri-
bution to the other investigators.
The purpose of this document is to supplement and modify the requirements of ASTM Speci-
fications A6 and A370. It is assumed that the reader has read and has available a copy of these
specifications.
‘Test Machine and Instrumentation
The test machine should have been calibrated within one year of the test date. A complete or
near complete stress strain curve shall be plotted for each specimen. This can be done using the
instrumentation on the test machine, i.e. autographic recorder, or from data gathered using an
electronic system. If an autographic recorder is used, the resulting plot should be scanned or oth-
erwise converted into a digital format so the stress-strain data can be analyzed by others. The
paper used in the extensometer should be selected to insure that the plot of the test results can be
successfully scanned. Ordinary graph paper will produce too many grid lines in the scanned data.
Normally the range of the extensometer is not large enough to measure the strain at fracture, par-
ticularly for the 8 in. gage length plate specimens. An extensometer capable of measuring to at,
least the initial portion of the strain hardening curve should be used.
The test machine should preferably be a screw type or closed loop machine operated under
displacement control in order to obtain the static yield strength of the steel. The static yield
strength is the yield strength under the condition of zero strain rate. A closed loop machine under
load control cannot be used. A open loop hydraulic machine can be used if the valves and seals are
in good condition.
‘Specimen Types
‘The preferred specimen type is the 8 in. gage length plate-type 1-1/2 in. wide specimen shown
in Fig. 3 of ASTM A370. The sheet and sub-size specimen shown in the figure should not be used.
‘The 1/2 in. round standard specimen shown in Fig. 4 of ASTM A370 should be used if the plate-
type specimen strength exceeds the capacity of the testing machine or the material thickness
exceeds 4 in. The type of specimen employed should be noted with the test results.
Specimen Location and Orientation
‘Two test specimens shall be taken from both the web and flange of the shape. The specimens
are to be longitudinal specimens with the lengthwise axis of the specimen parallel to the direction
of greatest extension of the steel during rolling. The edge of web specimens shall be at least 2 in.
from the “k” line of the section. The flange specimens shall be taken from the flat portion of the
flange away from the web to flange filet. If the 1/2 in. round specimen is employed, its longitudi-
nal axis should be located as near as possible to 1/4 of the thickness of the material from the sur-
face.
D2 Specimen Preparation
1. Measure the width and thickness or diameter at three locations along the reduced sec-
tion of the specimen and record.
2. Lay out two points either 8 or 2 in. apart along the axis of the specimen centered on the
reduced section. Using a center punch, punch two small indentations on the specimen.
Measure the distance between the two punich marks to the nearest 0.01 in, and record.
After completion of the test, the fractured specimen shall be fitted together and the
length between the marks measured. The difference between the two measurements
divided by the original length is the percent elongation of the specimen.
Insertion of Specimen Into Test Machine
1. The specimen should be inserted into the top cross head and the wedge grips tightened
lightly. The specimen should then be checked to insure it is aligned in the machine
using a level on the machined edge of the specimen.
2. The machine load-measuring system should be zeroed at this time before the other end
of the specimen is gripped.
3. The lower grips should be tightened after the machine is zeroed on the proper scale.
Testing Speed
‘The maximum stress and strain rate limits given in ASTM A370 paragraphs 11.4.1-11.4.3 do
not correlate with one another. In order to provide a test method which can be defined for both a
serew type, a closed loop displacement controlled, and a hydraulic machine, a stress rate was
selected to define the loading rate of the specimen. The stress or strain rate influences the value of
the material strength. A faster strain rate will yield larger strength values, and conversely, slower
rates of testing will produce lower values. The actual strain rate used in the coupon tests should be
the same strain rate employed in the component test. However to provide a consistent testing
‘method for all investigators and to eliminate the need for measurement of cross head displace-
‘ment, an elastic loading rate of 50 ksi per minute is to be used until after strain hardening. The rate
shall be measured and any adjustments made during the initial elastic loading of the specimen.
The strain or loading rates employed in the test should match the values used in the compo-
‘nent test. This would allow the component results to be normalized by the strength values corre-
sponding to the component loading rates. This is a difficult task unless static values are obtained
in the component tests. Since the loading rate will vary for each component test and also vary dur-
ing the test of a component, the measured yield strength at the 50 ksi per minute stress rate shall
be used to normalize the results. The dynamic yield stress found using the 0.002 offset method,
not the yield point, recorded at this stress rate shail be used to calculate the value of M,, or My
Teported in the component tests. The measured yield strength of the web and flange should be
used to calculate the plastic force in the web and flange, respectively, when calculating M,.
‘The lowest strength value which is relatively independent of test machine is the static strength.
The static strength is measured by stopping the straining of the specimen and hoiding the strain
for approximately 3 minutes. The test method is described in Ref. 3 and depicted in Fig. D-1. If
the hold times used for the loading stages of the component are less then 3 minutes, the load at the
component hold time as well as the 3 minute value should be recorded. Hydraulic testing
machines may not be capable of holding the strain or cross head displacement at a fixed level
Leakage at the seals of loading cylinder will cause the load to reduce and produce an apparent
D3 static value less then the actual. The strain during the hold period should be monitored to ensure
that the strain is not changing due to elastic unloading of the specimen. The static yield strength
shall be measured three times as shown schematically in Fig. D-2.
‘The loading rate is normally sped up after the onset of strain hardening. The maximum rate of
1/2 inch per minute per inch of reduced section given in ASTM A370 sect. 11.4.1 should not be
exceeded. For the 8 in. gage length plate specimen, this maximum is 4.5 inches per minute. The
tensile strength of the steel is also a function of the strain rate. A static value should be measured
if the tensile strength of the material is an important parameter in the determination of the connec-
tion strength. Bolted connections are an example of a connection where the tensile strength is
important. The material's tensile strength determines the net section capacity of the section as
well as the bearing strength of the material.
Strain Hardening Modulus and Strain at Strain Hardening
The strain at strain hardening and the strain hardening modulus should be determined as
shown in the attached figure which is from Ref. 4. Three methods to measure and define the strain
hardening properties of the steel are presented in the reference. The method selected for this
investigation is method 2. The strain hardening modulus, E,,, is calculated as the arc tangent of
the line passing through the points 0.003 and 0.010 strain beyond the center of the dip at the onset
of strain hardening, The value of £,, is the intersection of this line with the yield plateau.
‘Test Values To Be Reported
The following values are to be reported for each coupon test.
The upper yield point if any.
The dynamic yield stress at 0.002 offset.
The static yield stress values (3)
‘The strain at strain hardening,
‘Strain hardening modulus.
The tensile strength both static and dynamic.
The percent elongation.
The loading rate used in the test.
). The type and location of the specimen with respect to steel section.
(0. Type and manufacture of test machine.
1. Mill test report.
PNABWAwHE
°
References
1. ASTM Specification A6 “General Requirements for Rolled Steel Plates, Shapes, Sheet Pil-
ing, and Bars for Structural Use”.
2. ASTM Specification A370 “Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing
of Steel Products”.
3. “Guide to Stability Design Criteria for Metal Structures, 4th Edition”, John Wiley & Sons,
page 744, B.7 SSRC Technical Memorandum No. 7: Tension Testing.
4, ASCE Manual No, 41 “Commentary on Plastic Design in Steel”.
D4 Stress
Upper Yiela
Point
Dyn, Yield Suess
State Yield Suess
‘Sian at Onset
‘0002, of Strain Hardening
Strain
Figure D-1. Definition of Terms
Apparent onset of
strain hardening
value of Cpe
Figure D-2. Strain Hardening Modulus Determination
Ds APPENDIX E
LOADING PROTOCOL
FOR STEPWISE INCREASING CYCLIC TESTS Background
The choice of a testing program and associated loading history depends on the purpose of the
experiment, type of test specimen, and type of anticipated failure mode (e.g., rapid strength dete-
rioration, slow strength deterioration, member buckling, etc.).
Testing of a single specimen is adequate if the rate of strength deterioration is slow (or the
level at which rapid strength deterioration occurs is well defined, e.g., member buckling), and ana-
lytical cumulative damage modeling is not part of the investigation. ‘Testing of a single specimen
provides insufficient information if the rate of strength deterioration is rapid and the level at which
deterioration occurs may exhibit considerable scatter (ATC-24).
Fracture at weldments is 4 failure mode in which the rate of strength deterioration is rapid, and
the level at which deterioration occurs exhibits considerable scatter. For such a case, ATC-24 rec-
‘ommends testing at least three identical specimens with identical loading histories; the perfor-
mance of the specimen should be evaluated on the basis of the test with the smallest energy
dissipation capacity unless a sufficient number of specimens is tested to permit a statistical evalu-
ation of the results. Alternatively, a cumulative damage testing program (see ATC-24, Section
4.2.2) may be performed.
‘The basic loading history described below shall be used to evaluate performance of a beam-to-
column subassembly, provided the ground motion is not of a near-field type that contains a large
displacement pulse. In the latter case a near-field loading history shall be utilized (see below).
The loading history used in the Phase 2 Steel Project has been developed as a result of a series
of non-linear analyses of hypothetical steel moment frame structures subjected to a range of sei
mic inputs. This study is presented in more detail in a SAC Background Document that is cur-
rently in preparation.
Basic Loading History
The basic loading history for a single specimen testing program is the multiple step test, in
which the loading (deformation) history consists of stepwise increasing deformation cycles as
illustrated in Fig. E-1. The deformation parameter to be used to control the loading history is the
interstory drift angle, @, defined as interstory displacement divided by story height. In the test
specimen this angle is defined as the beam defiection divided by the beam span (to the column
centerline) if the vertical beam deflection is controlled, or as the column deflection divided by the
column height if the horizontal column deflection is controlled. Deformation control shall be used
throughout the experiment.
In the basic loading history, the cycles shall be symmetric in peak deformations. The history is
divided into steps and the peak deformation of each step jis given as @,, a predetermined value of
the interstory drift angle. Thus, the loading history is defined by the following parameters:
- 8; the peak deformation in load step j
the number of cycles to be performed in load step j
52 Numerical values of @; and nj:
Load Step # | peak deformation @ | number of cycles, n
v 0.00875 é
2 0.005 6
3 0.0075 6
4 001 4 |
5 oo1s 2
6 0.02 2
7 0.03 2
‘Continue with increments in @ of 0.01, and perform two cycles at each step
MULTIPLE STEP TEST - LOADING HISTORY
Interatory Orlft Angle
007
0.00875
Figure E-1. Multiple Step Test, Deformation Parameter is Interstory Drift Angle
Additional Considerations:
It is recommended to interrupt the basic loading history during the last cycle of selected large
steps and carry out small cycles in ofder to evaluate imermittent stiffness degradation. For
such stiffness evaluations the specimen is to be unloaded after reaching the peak (positive ot
negative) of the last cycle in the designated step, and subjected to two cycles with an ampli-
tude of 0,005 radians, whereby the amplitude is measured with respect to the permanent
deformation at the unloaded state.
The loading history shall be continued in the established pattern until severe strength deterio-
B3 ration is evident. If the displacement limit of the test setup is approached before severe deteri-
oration occurs, the test specimen shall be cycled at maximum peak deformation until severe
deterioration is evident. Severe deterioration may be defined as attaining a resistance at peak
deformation of less than 40% of the observed peak load.
+ If post-fracture behavior is to be investigated, the test program shall continue to the limit of
the test facility, even after severe deterioration has occurred,
Evaluation of Proposed Loading History in Relation to SAC Phase 1 Loading Protocol
Assumption
Since the SAC Phase 1 loading history is based on plastic deformations (the yield displace
ment of the specimen), it is neccessary to make an assumption on the relation between specimen
yield displacement and interstory drift angle 0. In the Phase | testing programs the "yield inter-
story drift” (beam tip displacement at yielding over beam length [to column centerline]) was usu-
ally smaller than 0.01. ‘Thus, assuming ®, = 8,/L = 0.01 is close to an upper bound of the
reference yield “deformation”, and using 8, = 5,/L = 0.005 is likely a lower bound of the refer-
ence yield "deformation".
The cumulative deformation ranges (Z48,) of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 loading histories are
compared in Fig. E-2, using 0, = 0.01 and 6, = 0.005 for the Phase 1 history. The following
observations are made:
+ Tf 9, = 0.005 is used for the Phase 1 history, then the cumulative deformation range of the
Phase 1 history exceeds that of the Phase 2 history at A@ = 0.07. This range corresponds to an
amplitude of 0.035. Subtracting the yield rotation of 0.005, the plastic rotation amplitude is
0.03, which is the acceptability value used in Phase 1. Thus, at this acceptability value the
Phase 1 history is about equally severe as the Phase 2 history, for 8, = 0.005.
+ Using ®, = 0.01 for the Phase 1 history will result in cumulative deformation ranges that will
always stay below those of the Phase 2 history. The main reason is that in the Phase 2 history
many more small cycles are performed because the decision was made that all cycles with a
range of 0.005 causes damage. The first 18 cycles are at or below yield if 8, = 0.01. With
few exceptions (brittle connections that fracture very early) it is unlikely that these small
cycles contribute much to cumulative damage. Disregarding these small cycles, the cumula-
tive deformations between the Phase | and Phase 2 histories are comparable.
Near-Field Loading History
Near-field ground motions present a special problem. The response to them is often character-
ized by one very large excursion, followed by a large number of small cycles with large mean
deformation amplitude. It is expected that the cumulative damage is controlled by the first large
excursion, which corresponds to monotonic loading of the test specimen. However, the subse-
quent smaller cycles may lead to additional deterioration that needs to be evaluated.
No specific attention has been paid to the characteristics of near-field response in the develop-
ment of the basic loading history. A separate loading history that accounts for near-field effects
needs to be developed. The results to be obtained from the SAC near-field response studies will
be utilized to develop such a history. It is expected that the maximum deformation amplitude will *
E4 Cumulative Deformations
Phase 1 vs Phase 2 Loading Histories
0.01 0.02 0.08 0.06 0.08 0.10
Figure E-2. Comparison of Cumulative Deformations Between
. SAC Phase 1 and Phase 2 Loading Histories
be larger than for the 2/50 ground motions, which has to be reflected in the acceptability value, but
it is also expected that the additional deformation ranges due to the subsequent cycles will be
smaller than for tite 2/50 ground motions. The behavior under such deformation histories cannot
be deduced from the basic loading history and requires a special testing program.
ES APPENDIX F
INSTRUMENTATION AND DATA ACQUISITION REQUIREMENTS
Fl Introduction
This appendix outlines requirements for instrumenting test specimens and test equipment, as,
well as methods for controlling tests and locations at which control forces and displacements shall
be measured. It is understood that extensive instrumentation adds complexity and expense to any
test program, and also requires substantial data storage and additional processing. However, itis
important that sufficient data is acquired from each test specimen because the cost associated with
repeating a test due to missing data is prohibitive; itis felt that the requirements outlined here will
help to ensure that thorough response information will be attained at a minimum expense. In cases
where acquisition hardware at a particular laboratory cannot record the number of channels speci-
fied, a reduced instrumentation plan must be negotiated with SAC.
The instrumentation configurations presented here are intended to represent a minimum chan-
nel set, and enhancements to this set will be made by individual researchers depending on the
goals of their test program or interest in certain types of specimen behavior. In some cases, one or
more of the basic instruments will need to be eliminated because of unusual or unique specimen
designs of test arrangements. In such situations, any deviations from the basic instrumentation
plan should be noted in the pre-test submittal to SAC.
‘A summary of instrumentation submittal requirements is provided at the end of this appendix.
General Requirements
Many different types of instruments may be used to measure the behavior of test specimens,
including strain gages, load cells / pressure cells, displacement transducers, accelerometers, etc.
AlLof these are acceptable, provided that they have sufficient resolution and accuracy for the pur-
poses of the test. In general, an accuracy of 1% over the range of the quantity being measured (as
determined from pre-test analyses) is adequate. Preliminary analyses of the specimen and loading
apparatus should be used to assist in defining the instrumentation requirements and estimating the
displacemenvstrain/force ranges to be used in selecting and calibrating instruments.
Because the installation details may have a substantial influence on the behavior of the instru-
‘mentation, it is important to select proper locations for mounting instrumentation to external ref-
erence frames as well as to the specimen itself. The installation details on the test specimen should
not influence its behavior in any way, for example, by increasing the likelihood of a crack devel-
oping at a drilled screw hole. Care should be taken when attaching instruments to the specimen in
a region of potential failure. Experience at some laboratories has indicated that instrument mounts
may be attached securely with small, low heat-input welds without compromising the specimen.
Since both quantitative and qualitative behavior is important, every specimen should be coated
with whitewash prior to testing so that the locations of most significant yielding can be identified
visually. Also, the laboratory temperature should be recorded at the start of each test.
‘The specimen dimensions and displacement and force quantities presented in Figs. F-1 and F-
2 below are referred to in the remainder of this document. When a specimen is tested by displac-
ing the column tip horizontally, the beam ends must be restrained against vertical motions and
allowed to translate horizontally. Otherwise, a rigid body rotation of the entire specimen in the
direction of loading will be introduced inadvertently.
F2 ae
Fo 8
Me
es
Displacement applied to beam tip Displacement applied to column tip
Figure F-1: Possible Approaches for Loading Beam-Column Specimens
Figure F-2: Definitions for an Exterior Beam-Column Specimen
Data Acquisition
Data scanning may be either manual or computer-controlled, but in all tests, the scan rate
should be frequent enough to assure that the response of the specimen is accurately recorded. The
scan rate can be adjusted as a function of maximum displacement amplitude if constant-velocity
loading is used. An X-Y plotter should be used for all tests to provide a permanent hard-copy
recording of at least the control force and displacement.
Efforts should be made to include time as part of all measurement schemes, even those in
which dynamic loading is not present. Ifa test is not run as a continuous sequence of cycles, the
time elapsed between each loading sequence shall be noted. This is particularly important if the
test is run over more than one day because the steel may exhibit some time-dependent healing. For
dynamic tests the loading rate should be controllable, and the time must be recorded. Dynamic
tests should also use an automated control system, and inertia effects should be considered when
evaluating the measured loads.
Actuator Instrumentation
In general, strain-gaged load cells in line with the actuator are preferred to hydraulic pressure
transducets, but in all cases the actuator loadcells must have calibration records from either the
manufacturer or from the laboratory which can be traced to NIST standards. All actuators should
read individual loads and displacements, and these should be recorded, even if the control scheme
uses the averaged values from multiple actuators. Although the relative displacement of the actua-
tor cylinder is required for control of the actuator, it should not be used as the control displace
ment for the connection assemblage (unless the clevis is preloaded as in some MTS actuators)
FS because play in the clevis will cause the displacement of the structural element being tested to be
less than that of the actuator piston, The control displacement transducer should be attached to the
levis assembly and should extend parallel to the centerline of the actuator. If the location of the
control transducer is substantially shifted away from the longitudinal axis of the element, then a
second transducer on the opposite side of the beam (of column) axis must be installed and the
average of the two instruments used for contral. This will limit the influence of twisting in the ele-
‘ment on the measured displacement. It may be desirable in some cases to have a high-resolution,
displacement transducer installed perpendicular to the axis of an actuator to measure any axial
deformations in the loaded member (either compression ot extension) which may occur due to
yielding or local buckling. This type of deformation may not be able to develop in a full frame,
‘and the potential for this type of behavior to occur should be identified.
Beam Instrumentation
The primary displacement transducer for beams measures the displacement at the beam tip.
For the Phase 2 test program, the beam tip is defined as the location at which there is zero
moment, not the point at which the wide flange section is bolted to the actuator attachment hard-
‘ware. The beam tip displacement will typically be measured between a reference frame and the
attachment corbel at the centerline of the actuator. (It should not be the actuator piston displace-
‘ment unless the actuator has pre-loaded clevises which eliminate relative displacements between
the actuator piston and the clevis attachments.) This instrument must be used for all
control signals. As mentioned above, if the axis of the transducer differs substanti:
vertical axis of the beam, two transducers situated on either side of the beam axis should be aver-
aged to eliminate twisting.
Additional displacement transducers may be used as desired to capture more local effects —
for example, supplemental transducers between the column flange and an intermediate point on
the beam to measure local hinge rotation, transducers spanning a reduced beam section (RBS, or
“dogbone”) to measure local elongation or shortening due to inelastic behavior, or transducers
between beam flanges and column flanges in simple connections. A typical instrumentation
arrangement for measuring hinge rotations at the face of the column is shown in Fig. F-3. Note
that this assumes the length of the plastic hinge region can be estimated with reasonable accuracy.
If a specimen representing an interior connection is loaded at the tip of the column, the vertical
displacement of the beam tip(s) should be monitored, even if rigid struts are in place to restrain
the tip motion,
The three locations shown in Fig. F-4 must be strain gaged at the top and bottom of every
‘beam section, regardless of the connection detail. In general, strain gages should also be placed in
any region of the beam that is anticipated to undergo significant plastic rotations. Other installa-
tions Which may be important are on the inner portions of the beam flanges (to capture curvature
within the flange) and along the length of the plastic hinge region moving away from the column
(using strip gages, for example). The following connection-specific guidelines should be fol-
lowed:
+ In RBS designs, strain gages should be installed within the reduced section and/or adja-
cent to it. Le
pot
phasic
hinge
Length
Figure F-3: Instrumentation to Capture Rotations in an Assumed Plastic Hinge
continuity plates
MMMM strain gage locations (same locations on bottom flange)
Figure F-4: Strain Gage Locations for Beam Flanges
‘+ In strengthened designs, suitable locations on the strengthening element should be gaged
(for example on cover plates or haunch flanges); the beam should also be gaged just out-
side of the strengthened section if a plastic hinge is anticipated 10 develop here.
+ Unreinforced moment-resisting connections (pre-Northridge designs) may be instru-
mented more thoroughly in the region of the beam-column groove welds than prescribed
in Figure F-4.
‘+ Simple shear connections should be strain gaged to try to identify the mechanism of force
transfer in the connection, for instance through the use of gages on the shear tab or in the
web of the beam; if there is no connection between the beam and column flanges, then the
‘gages in Figure F-4 are not required.
PS + Any elements in a connection that are explicitly designed to provide inelastic or other
energy-dissipative behavior should be properly instrumented to determine theit mechani-
cal characteristics; examples include additional displacement transducers, thermocouples,
or device-specific strain gages.
+ Two beams framing into both sides of an interior column should both be instrumented as.
described here, unless there are differences in their design or construction which warrant
separate instrumentation plans.
+ Beams tested with composite slabs should have instrumentation which complements the
instrumentation installed on the slab.
A separate beam instrumentation plan should be submitted to SAC for review prior to testing
any other connection configurations not described here. At this time, there are no requirements t0
strain gage beam flange-to-column flange welds because preparation of the weld surfaces for
adhering the gages may influence the weld behavior.
‘Cotamn Instrumentation
In most tests the column is expected to remain elastic, and extensive instrumentation is not
required. However, itis important at a minimum to determine the contribution of elastic flexural
deformations in the column to the measured beam tip displacement, and at least two displacement
transducers are required to measure this (Fig. F-5). Note that the locations of these instruments
will differ slightly depending on whether an interior or an exterior column is being tested. Fig. F-
6 shows a possible set-up for an interior beam-column connection. The displacement transducers
in this case may not have sufficient resolution to differentiate between the column rotation and the
‘overall deformation of the column due to loading at the tip. For this reason, inclinometers are also
indicated in this Figure as an alternate means of extracting the column rotation from the total rota-
tion of the connection.
Whenever it is the point of load application, the column tip displacement must be measured,
consistent with the definitions and recommendations for measuring beam tip displacement given
in the previous section. Further adjustments in the instrument locations will be required for tests
‘of beams with composite slabs, with stiffeners or haunches, etc. It is desirable where channels are
available that multiple transducers be used at each of the locations shown in Figs. F-6 and F-5 (for
instance one on each side of the column flange along the Z-axis) to capture any column twisting
that may occur. in all cases the mounts for the transducers on the column flange should be
installed in such as way that there is no potential for initiating a fracture or otherwise affecting the
behavior of the connection.
‘A minimum of four strain gages are required on the column flange opposite the beam connec-
tion in exterior beam-column specimens, as shown in Fig. F-7. These gages are intended to cap-
ture strains adjacent to the intersection between the continuity plate and the column flange, as well
as any hinging which might occur in the column adjacent to the panel zone, For interior contec-
tions, these gages should be installed on both column flanges to provide symmetric recordings,
although those located along the line of the continuity plate will be discarded. The precise dis-
tance from the beam flanges or continuity plates at which the gages are located may be changed if
yielding is not anticipated in this region, This may be justified if haunches or triangular fin plates
are installed perpendicular to the beam flange, or if a heavy web doubler plate is present.
Fo OO00O0O
Figure F-5: Displacement Transducers far Exterior Beam-Column Connection
Cd
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90000
wh
Figure F-6: Displacement Transducers for Interior Beam-Column Connection
Panel Zone Instrumentation
At least two sets of instruments are required in the panel zone of each beam-column connec-
tion test specimen. The first set is intended to measure the average shear deformation in the panel
zone by means of a pair of displacement transducers running diagonally across the panel zone as,
shown in Fig. F-5 (transducers 8, and 8, ). These should not be attached to the column flanges but
rather should be attached to the web adjacent to the Nlange-continuity plate intersection. Care must
be taken in this installation detail to ensure that the behavior of the connection is not influenced by
PT semeesica lence metric
Figure F-7: Strain Gage Locations for Exterior Column Specimen
drilling imto the column steel at the “k”-Line of the column. Some laboratories have found that
these instruments can be attached reliably using low heat-input welds on the column web.
The second set of instruments consists of a minimum of two three-element strain gage rosettes
arranged on the column web in the panel zone as shown in Fig. F-8. These are intended to directly
measure the shear strain at distinct locations in the web to provide more detailed information
beyond the average shear deformation taken from the diagonal displacement transducers. The cor-
‘net rosettes should be at least I in. away from the edge of the continuity plate and continuity plate
‘weld, and at least 1 in, away from the “K”-line of the column.
‘Additional panel zone instrumentation shall be installed when multiple panel zones may
develop in the specimen, such as specimens with haunches or vertical rib sections. This additional
jnstruntentation should be analogous to that described above with the purpose of isolating the
rotations which develop in each region of the column.
Slab Instrumentation
At this time, there are no well-defined requirements for slab instrumentation. At a minimum,
displacement transducers should be installed to measure the relative displacement between the
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Figure F-8: Panel Zone Strain Gages
slab and the column along the axis of the beam at various locations (similar ta those shown in Fig.
¥.3). The slab may also be whitewashed to allow cracks in the concrete to be identified easily, par-
ticularly in the region around the column.
Other Instrumentation Requirements
‘Specimens incorporating bolted T-stub connections should be instrumented in such a way that
both the global and local behavior can be captured. This includes installing strain gages on the
beam flanges near the connections to the T-stub as well as on sections of the T-stubs which will be
subjected to high strains. Bolts may also be instrumented if desired. Instrumentation to measure
slip between the T-stub and the beam should be used as shown in Fig. F-9.
‘Figure F-9: Instrumentation to Measure Slip in T-Stub Connections
Po If connections with discrete energy-dissipating elements are tested, sufficient information,
should be collected on the individual devices to characterize their behavior, including strain (elon-
gation or shear strain), strain rate, temperature, etc.
‘Specimens subjected 10 dynamic tests should have thermocouples installed in regions where
yielding is expected and accelerometers installed on primary elements if inertial effects are signif-
icant.
Minimum Channel List
‘Table F-1 lists the minimum set of channels which must be recorded for an exterior beamn-col-
umn connection test. For interior connection tests, the instrumentation associated with the beams
will typically double, and there will be some modifications in the channels associated with the
column. Additional channels should be recorded as noted above to trace the behavior of compos-
ite slabs and any other elements which supplement the beam-column connection.
[Channel Description
Beam Up force actuator Toadeell
Beam tip displacement displacement sensducer
Beam flange strain - top, 1 strain goge
‘Beam flange strain - top, 2 strain gage
Beam flange strain - top, 3 stain gage
Beam flange strain bottom, 1 surain gage
‘Beam flange strain -botiom, 2 strain gage
Beam flange strain - bottom, 3 strain gage
Colum displacement - above beam isplacement waneducer
[Column displacement - below beam
