WO2015172197A1

WO2015172197A1 - A moment frame connector, moment frame connector assembly and moment frame

Info

Publication number: WO2015172197A1
Application number: PCT/AU2015/050239
Authority: WO
Inventors: Donald Andrew SUTHERLAND
Original assignee: Sutherland Donald Andrew
Priority date: 2014-05-16
Filing date: 2015-05-14
Publication date: 2015-11-19
Also published as: AU2015258775A1

Abstract

A moment frame connector (1) for connecting a C-section or Z-section beam of a moment frame to a column of the moment frame. The connector assembly comprises a first portion (3) arranged to be connected the column, a second portion (7) is arranged to be connected to a web of the C-section or Z-section beam, and a third portion (11) arranged to be connected to a flange of the C-section or Z-section beam. Each portion (3, 7, 11 ) being provided with at least one mounting aperture (5, 9, 13) arranged to receive a respective fixing to connect that portion to the column or beam.

Description

A MOMENT FRAME CONNECTOR, MOMENT FRAME CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY AND

MOMENT FRAME

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a moment frame connector, a moment frame connector assembly and a moment frame.

Background

Moment frames, sometimes known as portal frames, are used in buildings to span a distance across the building whilst only being supported by columns at the outside margin of the space. Thus, no intermediate columns are required within the space, leaving the interior of the building unobstructed. Such moment frames are therefore often, although not exclusively, used in light industrial buildings, factories, workshops, garages and barns. They can also be used in domestic buildings where an open plan space is required without internal walls, or without structural internal walls.

Moment frames are so called because they resist the moments acting to twist, rotate and/or collapse the frame in use. The resistance to these moments is provided at the connection between the columns and beams of the frame.

A typical moment frame is a generally 'n' shaped frame comprising a pair of spaced apart vertical columns connected together by a horizontal or inclined beam or beams spanning the space between the columns. The beams are mounted on the columns using moment connectors, and these moment connectors are designed to absorb the rotational loads acting between the columns and beams to resist rotation and collapse of the frame.

The columns are typically steel and may comprise a Z or C section column, or a concrete filled tubular column for example. The beams are also typically steel of Z or C shaped section. Such Z or C shaped beam sections comprise upper and lower generally planar flanges linked by an intermediate perpendicular planar web. It is desirable to be able to use standard section columns and/or beams wherever possible, to keep costs down. It is also desirable to be able to connect the beams to the columns as simply and quickly as possible.

In some cases the moment connectors are bolted to each of the columns and beams. In some cases welding is additionally or alternatively required. Additional components, fixings and brackets are often required between the connectors and the columns and/or beams. Object of the Invention

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a moment connector, a moment connector assembly and a moment frame which is quicker and/or simpler and/or cheaper to assemble, and/or which avoids the need for any welding at the connection between the columns and beams. Alternatively it is an object of the invention to overcome or at least ameliorate one or more disadvantages of the prior art, or alternatively to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

Further objects of the invention will become apparent from the following description. Summary of Invention

Accordingly in one aspect the invention may broadly be said to consist in a moment connector for connecting a C-section or Z-section beam of a moment frame to a column of the moment frame, the connector comprising a first portion arranged to be connected to the column, a second portion arranged to be connected to a flange of the C-section or Z-section beam, and a third portion arranged to be connected to a web of the C-section or Z-section beam, each portion being provided with at least one mounting aperture arranged to receive a respective fixing to connect that portion to the column or beam.

Preferably each of the portions comprises a respective planar mounting face arranged to abut the column, or flange or web of the beam, such that the mounting face is parallel with the column, flange or web.

The mounting faces of the first and second portions are preferably arranged in an L-shaped configuration with the mounting face of the second portion extending substantially perpendicularly from the mounting face of the first portion. Thus, the plane of the mounting face of the first portion is preferably perpendicular to the plane of the mounting face of the second portion.

Preferably the mounting face of the third portion extends perpendicularly from one or both of the first and second portions. Thus, the plane of the mounting face of the third portion is preferably perpendicular to the plane of the mounting face of one or both of the first and second portions.

In one example, at least one portion of the connector is of plate construction. In one example each portion is of plate construction. At least two of the portions may be integral, that is, formed from the same piece of sheet material. The other portion may be mounted on the other two portions, using welding or the like. In one example, the first portion, that is, the portion arranged to be connected to the column, is of thicker gauge material then the second and third portions.

In another example, the connector may be of block construction, and may, for example, comprise an oblong block comprising the planar mounting faces.

One, some or each portion may be provided with a plurality of mounting apertures.

Preferably the first portion and/or the second portion is substantially oblong when that portion is viewed from above.

The third portion may be substantially oblong. In one example, the third portion may be a trapezoid.

The connector may be arranged to be connected to the column and C-section or Z-section beam using fixings, such as bolts for example, passing through the apertures in each portion. Alternatively or additionally other fixings may be used, such as rivets for example.

According to a second aspect, the invention may broadly be said to consist in a moment connector for connecting a C-section or Z-section beam of a moment frame to a column of the moment frame, the connector comprising an end plate provided with at least one end plate aperture, a side plate extending perpendicularly from the end plate and provided with at least one side plate aperture, and a further plate extending perpendicularly from both the side plate and the end plate and provided with a further plate aperture, the plates and apertures being so arranged that the end plate can be connected to a column of a moment frame using a fixing through the end plate aperture, the connector, when so connected to the column, being so further arranged that the further plate can be connected to a upper or lower flange of a beam of the moment frame using a fixing through the further frame aperture, and the side plate can be connected to a web of the beam using a fixing through the side plate aperture.

According to a third aspect, the invention may broadly be said to consist in a moment connector assembly comprising at least one moment connector according to the first or second aspects of the invention, and a C-section or Z-section beam to which the connector is arranged to be connected. According to a fourth aspect, the invention may broadly be said to consist in a moment frame comprising a column, and a C-section or Z-section beam connected to the column with a connector according to the first or second aspects of the invention.

Further aspects of the invention, which should be considered in all its novel aspects, will become apparent from the following description.

Drawing Description

A number of embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a moment connector in accordance with the present invention;

Figures 2a to 2c are top, end and side views of the moment connector of Figure 1 ; Figure 3 is a side view of the moment connector of Figures 1 and 2 connected to a column and a C-section beam of a moment frame;

Figure 4 is an end view of the moment connector, column and beam of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a side view of the moment connector of Figures 1 and 2 connected to a column and a Z-section beam of a moment frame;

Figure 6 is an end view of the moment connector, column and beam of Figure 3; Figure 7 is a side view of a moment frame comprising the moment connector of Figures 1 to 6, with the phantom lines showing the moment frame in a twisted condition; and

Figure 8 is a side view corresponding to Figures 3 and 5 showing the connector and beams at different heights on the column.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

Throughout the description like reference numerals will be used to refer to like features in different embodiments.

Referring first to Figures 1 and 2, a moment connector 1 for connecting a C-section or Z- section beam of a moment frame to a column of the moment frame, comprises a first portion 3 arranged to be connected to the column, a second portion 7 arranged to be connected to a web of the C-section or Z-section beam, and a third portion 1 1 arranged to be connected to a flange of the C-section or Z-section beam, each portion 3, 7, 1 1 being provided with at least one mounting aperture 5, 9, 13 arranged to receive a respective fixing to connect that portion to the column or beam. Each of the portions 3, 7, 1 1 defines a respective planar mounting face which abuts the column, flange or web such that the mounting face is parallel with, and contacts, the column, flange or web.

In the example of Figures 1 and 2, moment connector 1 is of generally plate metal construction where the first portion 3 comprises a base plate provided with a pair of base plate bolt apertures 5. In this example the base plate 3 is generally oblong.

The second portion 7 comprises a side plate which extends from a side margin of the base plate 3 and is provided with a pair of side plate bolt apertures 9. The plane of the side plate 7 is perpendicular to the plane of the base plate 3. In this example the side plate 7 is a trapezium.

The third portion 1 1 comprises a further plate which extends from another margin of the base plate 3, along a margin of the side plate 7. The further plate 1 1 is provided with a pair of further plate bolt apertures 13. The plane of the further plate 1 1 is perpendicular to the planes of both the base plate 3 and the side plate 7. In this example the further plate 1 1 is generally oblong.

Thus, the three planar mounting faces of the portions 3, 7, 1 1 are mutually orthogonal.

In this example, the base plate 3 is of a thicker gauge than side and further plates 7, 1 1 . In this example, the base plate 3 may be stamped or cut from a first sheet of material, with the side and further plates 7, 1 1 formed from another sheet of material, stamped to the desired outline, drilled for bolt holes, and then folded. The folded plates 7, 1 1 can then be welded to the thicker gauge base plate 3, such that the plates 3, 7, 1 1 are in the orientation described above. Alternatively it is possible to form each plate 3, 7, 1 1 separately and then weld the plates 3, 7, 1 1 together. Each plate 3, 7, 1 1 may be of different thickness for example.

Referring additionally to Figures 3, 4 and 7, a pair of connectors 1 are used to join each beam end 13 to a column 15 of the moment frame. The connectors 1 are arranged to be used with one connector 1 inverted with respect to the other. Figures 3 and 4 show a pair of connectors 1 in use with a C-section beam 13.

Each connector 1 is located with the base plate 3 flush with, and in contact with the vertical face 19 of the column 15. The side plate 7 of each connector 1 is located flush with, and in contact with, the vertical web 21 of the beam 13. The further plate 1 1 of each connector 1 is located flush with, and in contact with, a flange 24, 25 of the beam 13. The upper connector 1 is in contact with upper flange 24, whilst lower connector 1 is in contact with lower flange 25 of beam 13. All plates 3, 7, 1 1 are connected to the column and beam 13, 15 using suitable fixings, which in this example are bolts 27. A combination of different types of fixings, such as bolts and rivets, may be used.

With particular reference to Figure 4, with the connectors 1 so mounted, the connectors 1 are entirely within the space between the flanges 24, 25 and web 21 of the beam 13, entirely within the envelope defined by the beam 13, with no part of the connector projecting beyond the beam 13. This provides a clean, neat finish to the connection, and also enables the beam ends to be directly in contact with the face of the column 15. It also enables the joint to be dismantled without having to withdraw the bolts from the column 15.

Each connector 1 connects to both a flange 24, 25 and the web 21 of the beam 13, as well as to the column 15. Connection to the web 21 of the beam 13 enables the connector 1 to be used with cold formed beams 13.

Each connector 1 also connects to the internal faces of the beam 13, rather than the external faces, namely the upper or lower outwardly facing external faces 13A, 13B of the beam 13.

The connectors 1 enable the beams 13 and columns 15 to be cut to the correct length, and have fixing holes drilled, prior to delivery on site, eliminating the need to cut to length and drill holes on site. This reduces the assembly time, improves efficiency and improves the accuracy of the connection.

The connectors 1 form the sole component, aside from bolts or other fixings, required to connect the beams 13 to the columns 15. This avoids the need for any other kind of attachment or cleat or the like to be pre-attached to the beams. This further improves simplicity and also makes the beams and columns easier to pack and transport as there are no projections or the like, sticking out from the beams/columns.

Making the connection on site is relatively simply in that the upper connector 1 in each case can be connected to the column 15 first, and then the beam 13 dropped onto the upper connector 1 . The lower connector 1 can then be easily located in place without having to otherwise support the beam 13. Referring to Figures 5, 6 and 7, a pair of connectors 1 are used to connect a Z-section beam 33 to a column 15. In this example, a connector 1 is provided each side of the central vertical web 21 of the beam 33, with an upper connector 1 within the envelope defined by upper flange 34 and web 21 , and a lower, inverted connector 1 , within the envelope defined by lower flange 35 and web 21 . When the connectors 1 are used with Z-section beams, it is possible to insert an additional piece of Z-section beam 43 into the joint, to provide same size seating for both upper and lower connectors 1 of the joint. This additional piece of Z-section beam also functions as a reinforcing sleeve to provide additional bearing support at the bolt connection, and also strengthens the beam section at the location where localised buckling may occur.

With particular reference to Figure 7, a pair of connectors 1 can be seen at each end of the beam 13, so that four connectors 1 are used to connector the beam to a pair of spaced apart columns 15. The phantom lines illustrate the type of movement of the moment frame that the connectors 1 are designed to resist. The connectors 1 are used in handed pairs, such that the side plates 7 of each pair of connectors 1 abut the web 21 of the beam 13 in use. Thus a right handed pair of connectors 1 is used for one end of the beam 13, with a left handed pair of connectors 1 being used for the other end of the beam 13.

With reference to Figure 8, it can be seen that the connectors 1 allow for simple selection/adjustment of the desired height of the beam 13 on the column 15.

Whilst the above examples refer to bolts 27 being used to connect the connector 1 to the beam 13 and column 15, any other suitable fixings could be inserted through the apertures in each plate 3, 7, 1 1 to provide this connection. Such fixings could include rivets for example, or a combination of bolts and/or rivets and/or other fixings, as required. It is to be noted that no welding is required to connect the beams 13 to the columns 15.

The fixing apertures of the plates 3, 7, 1 1 of each connector may be offset from on another so as to be spaced and positioned to avoid bolt clash within the column 15, where adjacent beams 13 are connected at the same node of the column 15.

The connectors 1 may be formed from steel plate. This may be anti-corrosion treated prior to assembly, for example, by hot dip galvanising or powder coating or the like. This pre- treatment is advantageous in that the connectors 1 , and the assembled moment frame joint incorporating the connectors 1 , do not have to be corrosion treated in situ. Each connector 1 does not need to fit or slide over the upper end of the columns 15. Thus the connector 1 is suitable for constructing low-rise buildings with multiple levels, that is, where beams extend between adjacent columns at different heights.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

Although this invention has been described by way of example and with reference to possible embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that modifications or improvements may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention. The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features. Furthermore, where reference has been made to specific components or integers of the invention having known equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

Claims

1 . A moment connector for connecting a C-section or Z-section beam of a moment frame to a column of the moment frame, the connector comprising a first portion arranged to be connected to the column, a second portion arranged to be connected to a flange of the C-section or Z-section beam, and a third portion arranged to be connected to a web of the C-section or Z-section beam, each portion being provided with at least one mounting aperture arranged to receive a respective fixing to connect that portion to the column or beam.

2. The moment connector of claim 1 wherein each of the portions comprises a respective planar mounting face arranged to abut the column, or flange or web of the beam, such that the mounting face is parallel with the column, flange or web.

3. The moment connector of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the mounting faces of the first and second portions are arranged in an L-shaped configuration with the mounting face of the second portion extending substantially perpendicularly from the mounting face of the first portion.

4. The moment connector of claim 3 wherein the plane of the mounting face of the first portion is perpendicular to the plane of the mounting face of the second portion.

5. The moment connector of any one of the preceding claims wherein the mounting face of the third portion extends perpendicularly from one or both of the first and second portions.

6. The moment connector of claim 5 wherein the plane of the mounting face of the third portion is perpendicular to the plane of the mounting face of one or both of the first and second portions.

7. The moment connector of any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one portion of the connector is of plate construction.

8. The moment connector of claim 7 wherein each portion is of plate construction.

9. The moment connector of any one of the preceding claims wherein at least two of the portions are integral, that is, formed from the same piece of sheet material.

10. The moment connector of claim 9 wherein the other portion is mounted on the other two portions, using welding or the like.

1 1 . The moment connector of any one of the preceding claims wherein the first portion, that is, the portion arranged to be connected to the column, is of thicker gauge material then the second and third portions.

12. The moment connector of any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the connector is of block construction, and comprises an oblong block providing the planar mounting faces.

13. The moment connector of any one of the preceding claims wherein one, some or each portion are provided with a plurality of mounting apertures.

14. The moment connector of any one of the preceding claims wherein the first portion and/or the second portion is substantially oblong when that portion is viewed from above.

15. The moment connector of any one of the preceding claims wherein the third portion is substantially oblong.

16. The moment connector of any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein the third portion is a trapezoid.

17. The moment connector of any one of the preceding claims arranged to be connected to the column and C-section or Z-section beam using fixings, arranged to pass through the apertures in each portion.

18. A moment connector for connecting a C-section or Z-section beam of a moment frame to a column of the moment frame, the connector comprising an end plate provided with at least one end plate aperture, a side plate extending perpendicularly from the end plate and provided with at least one side plate aperture, and a further plate extending perpendicularly from both the side plate and the end plate and provided with a further plate aperture, the plates and apertures being so arranged that the end plate can be connected to a column of a moment frame using a fixing through the end plate aperture, the connector, when so connected to the column, being so further arranged that the further plate can be connected to a upper or lower flange of a beam of the moment frame using a fixing through the further frame aperture, and the side plate can be connected to a web of the beam using a fixing through the side plate aperture.

19. A moment connector assembly comprising at least one moment connector according to any one of claims 1 to 18, and a C-section or Z-section beam to which the connector is arranged to be connected.

20. A moment frame comprising a column, and a C-section or Z-section beam connected to the column with a connector according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

21 . A moment connector substantially as described herein and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

22. A moment connector assembly substantially as described herein and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

23. A moment frame substantially as described herein and as shown in the accompanying drawings.