Nonlinear Inelastic Analysis of Semi-Rigid Steel Frames with Top-and-Seat Angle Connections

Abstract

Top-and-seat angle connections (TSACs) exhibit inherently asymmetric and nonlinear moment-rotation behavior, which can significantly influence the global response of steel frames subjected to combined gravity and lateral loading. In this study, a three-dimensional finite element model of an unstiffened TSAC is developed and validated against experimental moment-rotation data from the literature under monotonic loading conditions. The validated model is then used to investigate the influence of key geometric parameters, including top angle thickness, bolt diameter, and beam depth, on the connection's moment-rotation response in both positive and negative bending directions. Subsequently, the monotonic connection behavior is incorporated into nonlinear static analyses of steel portal frames to examine the effects of asymmetric connection response and moment reversal on frame-level stiffness degradation and capacity. A practical SAP2000 modeling workflow is proposed in which the finite element-derived monotonic moment-rotation curves are implemented using zero-length rotational link elements, allowing combined consideration of material, geometric, and connection nonlinearities at the structural level. The comparisons between Abaqus and SAP2000 results demonstrate consistent frame-level responses when identical monotonic connection characteristics are employed, highlighting the ability of the proposed workflow to reproduce detailed finite element predictions at the structural analysis level. The results indicate that increasing top angle thickness, bolt diameter, and beam depth enhances the lateral stiffness and base shear resistance of steel frames. Positive and negative bending directions are defined consistently with the applied gravity-plus-lateral loading sequence.