The FEM analysis of the behavior of a welded column–joist joint under seismic loading

Destructive earthquakes have been more important subject in Turkey, especially in Marmara region after the İzmit and Düzce Earthquakes in 1999. The welded joints are the most critical regions in steel structures when the structure is subjected to dynamic loads. In this study, the finite element analysis (FEM) of the behavior of a welded column–joist joint under seismic loading was performed. The equivalent earthquake loading process (EELP) according to the Turkish Earthquake Code 1998 (TEC-98) was used for calculating the seicmis loads. By using FEM, heat analysis was performed, the residual stresses were determined and the deformations in a welded column–joist joint were observed. The results were illustrated in figures. The stress states after seismic loading in the most critical joint were compared with material properties of the base metal, and the behavior of the welded column–joist joint under seismic loading was discussed.