Building Metal Frame Column Assemblies with Side Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steel frame building construction methods are inefficient and costly due to labor-intensive field welding processes, and existing joint connections lack independent beam-to-beam structural continuity and torsion resistance, particularly in seismic and blast events.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using a column assembly module with juxtaposed and spaced apart side plate members to secure a full-length beam assembly, providing independent beam-to-column joint assemblies that can carry gravity loads and resist torsion and lateral bending, while minimizing material and labor costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional field welding processes are used to connect beam stubs to link beams, then structural connections can be made, but labor costs and construction time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The column assemblies are pre-fabricated with gusset plates and beam stubs attached in the shop before shipping to the construction site. This preliminary assembly of column assemblies with all welding completed in controlled shop conditions eliminates the need for labor-intensive field welding of beam connections, thereby improving construction speed while maintaining connection quality
Solution Approach 2:
The building framework is divided into modular column assemblies that can be independently fabricated and then rapidly assembled on-site. Each column assembly is a self-contained module containing the column, gusset plates, and beam stubs, allowing for parallel fabrication and streamlined on-site installation without complex field welding operations
2Strength
If gusset plates are used to connect beams to columns, then joint strength is improved, but material costs and structural weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gusset plate is merged with the column to form an integrated column assembly where the gusset plate becomes an inherent part of the column structure rather than a separate附加 component. The beam stubs are also integrated into this unified structure, creating a consolidated load-path system that maintains joint strength while reducing the number of discrete parts and associated material
Solution Approach 2:
The gusset plates are pre-positioned and welded to columns in the shop during column assembly fabrication, allowing for optimized material placement and reduced waste. The beam stubs are pre-attached to the gusset plates in controlled shop conditions, enabling precise material utilization and elimination of excess material that would result from field adjustments
3Stability of the object's composition
If link beams are used to connect adjacent column assemblies, then beam continuity is achieved, but construction complexity and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous beam function is segmented into beam stubs that are pre-attached to column assemblies during shop fabrication. These stubs extend from each column assembly and are designed to align and connect with stubs from adjacent columns, creating structural continuity through modular repetition rather than through complex link beam assemblies
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using link beams to connect completed column assemblies, the invention inverts the approach by having column assemblies connect to each other through pre-attached beam stubs. The beam continuity is achieved through the column assemblies themselves rather than through separate linking elements, simplifying the overall assembly process
4Reliability
If conventional joint connections are used, then beam-to-column connections can be made, but independent beam-to-beam structural continuity and torsion resistance are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The joint connection creates a composite structural system where the column, gusset plate, and beam stubs function as an integrated load-bearing assembly. This composite structure provides both beam-to-column connectivity and independent beam-to-beam continuity through the aligned stubs, while the rigid connection geometry provides torsion resistance by creating a stiff, multi-path load transfer system
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple structural functions are merged into the single gusset plate connection: beam-to-column support, beam-to-beam continuity through aligned stubs, and torsion resistance through the rigid geometric configuration. This multi-functional integration eliminates the need for separate components for each function, providing comprehensive structural performance in a unified connection system
Data Source
AI summary
A method of making and utilizing a column assembly module for a building framework includes providing an elongate column member for being vertically disposed as part of a vertically elongate column assembly of a building framework. And securing to the elongate column member a spaced apart pair of horizontally elongate and vertically and horizontally extending side plates. The step of securing includes locating an inner surface of at least one side plate member and an outside opposing vertical edge of the column member so that a vertical interface plane lies at an interface of the inner surface of the at least one side plate member and the outside opposing vertical edge. During erection of the building framework a full-length beam assembly is disposed at an end portion thereof between the pair of projecting side plates to be connected thereto providing a beam-to-column joint assembly of the building framework.