Numerical Study of Cyclic Behavior of Steel Column Base Angle Connections Using Taguchi Experimental Design

Articles in Press

Document Type : Article

Authors

1 Department of civil engineering. university of sistan and bluchestan. zahedan. iran

2 Department of civil engineering- university of sistan and bluchestan- zahedan- iran

3 Department of civil engineering

10.24200/j30.2025.66939.3430

Abstract

This study presents a numerical investigation into the cyclic behavior of steel column base connections equipped with replaceable yielding steel angles under cyclic loading conditions. Utilizing a combined methodology of finite element analysis through ABAQUS and the Taguchi design of experiments (DOE) approach, the research systematically evaluates the influence of three critical parameters: steel angle thickness, applied axial load ratio, and anchor bolt gauge distance from the column edge. The numerical model was rigorously validated against existing experimental results, demonstrating strong agreement and confirming its capability to accurately simulate the nonlinear hysteretic response of the connections. Nine strategically designed parameter combinations based on an L9 orthogonal array enabled an efficient exploration of the parameter space while capturing both individual and interactive effects. Statistical analysis via analysis of variance (ANOVA) identified the thickness of the steel angle as the most significant factor, accounting for approximately 59.43% of the variation in the maximum flexural moment capacity, followed by the gauge distance (24.95%) and axial load ratio (11.92%). The optimal parameter set—comprising a 10 mm angle thickness, 0.2 axial load ratio relative to column capacity, and 40 mm gauge distance—yielded a peak flexural moment capacity of 30.71 kN·m, closely matching the finite element prediction of 30.56 kN·m. Hysteresis curve analyses reveal enhanced energy dissipation capacity, increased initial stiffness, and improved ductility in the optimized configuration, although the connection behavior consistently remains within the pinned range as per ANSI/AISC 360-16 specifications. The concentrated plasticity in the replaceable angle elements effectively localizes damage, promoting easy post-earthquake repair without compromising the main structural components. A regression model derived from the DOE results facilitates reliable predictions of flexural capacity based on the aforementioned parameters, underscoring the practical utility of the Taguchi method in seismic design optimization. These findings provide critical insights into the design of resilient, low-damage steel column base connections capable of sustaining seismic demands while enhancing reparability and lifecycle performance.

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Sharif Journal of Civil Engineering

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 30 May 2026

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