Mechanical identification of PTED beam-to-column connections according to Eurocode 3

This paper is focused on the mechanical characterization of a particular Post-Tensioned Energy Dissipating (PTED) beam-to-column connection for seismic resistant steel moment frames. In the considered connection, high resistance steel bars are used for the post-tensioned system and confined steel bars are adopted for the dissipation of the input energy. The monotonic response of the system up to large drift values is studied through a refined numerical analysis, carried out by means of the ABAQUS multi-purpose computer program. The possible collapse modes of the connection are addressed and, consequently, the stiffness and strength peculiarities of the connection are determined numerically, so that the classification of the connection according to the Eurocode3 European Standard is carried out.