Seismic performance of steel connections with double-leg energy dissipation cover plates

Aiming at the deficiency of the fully welded connection during an earthquake, a novel connection type with double-leg energy dissipation cover plates (DEDCPs) and buckling restrained braces (BRBs) was proposed in this study. First, through experiments, theoretical discussion, and numerical analysis, the mechanical mechanisms of the DEDCP under monotonic and cyclic loading were revealed. Subsequently, a design method for a fully welded connection with DEDCPs and BRBs under earthquake action was proposed, which was verified by three series of finite element (FE) examples. The results show that the hysteretic curves of the DEDCP was full and had good energy dissipation capacity. Combined with theoretical analysis and FE discussions, the expressions for the bearing capacity and displacement of the DEDCP under cyclic loading are given by fitting. After adding the DEDCPs and BRBs at the fully welded connection, the seismic performance of the connection significantly improved.