moment transfer between members. In order to minimize computer analysis time while accurately determining structural response due to a given load, we used substructuring. The WTC 7 connectors may be shear, moment, or semi-rigid connectors that transfer shear and moment. The response of this structure to load is dependent on how loads transfer from the floor to beams, the beams then transfer these loads to the girders, and the girders transfer the loads to the columns. In order to properly simulate the response of this building to load (vertical and horizontal), we needed to account for the behavior of each type of connector. Therefore, we modeled each type of connector in ABAQUS. Figure 2.36 shows connector type āSTCā and its response to shear.
Figure 2.36 Modeling process for a beam to girder shear connector, āSTC.ā A typical simple shear connector that was used to connect a beam to girders is shown in Figures 2.37 and 2.38.
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