Thin–Walled Structures 152 (2020) 106644

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Thin-Walled Structures
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Full length article

Theoretical research into cyclic web buckling and plastic overstrength of

shear links
Xiao-Gang Liu a, b, Jian-Sheng Fan b, *, Yu-Fei Liu b, Ming-Zhao Zheng a, Jian-Guo Nie b
a
National Engineering Research Center for Steel Construction, Central Research Institute of Building and Construction CO. LTD. MCC, Beijing, 100088, China
b
Key Laboratory of Civil Engineering Safety and Durability of China Education Ministry, Dept. of Civil Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China

A R T I C L E I N F O A B S T R A C T

Keywords: In this paper, a numerical model for shear links was firstly established and carefully validated, and the cyclic web
Shear links buckling behavior were also discussed with comparison to experimental results. On this basis, firstly, the in­
Energy dissipation fluence of boundary conditions was explored. The influence of axial displacement constraint on cyclic buckling
Cyclic web buckling
and plastic overstrength was discussed, and a theoretical plastic overstrength factor considering axial
Plastic overstrength
displacement constraint was proposed. In addition, the influence of axial forces on cyclic buckling and plastic
Prediction model
overstrength was discussed, and the limited range of axial forces on shear links was recommended. Afterwards,
the influence of various parameters on cyclic web buckling was analyzed and discussed, and a theoretical pre­
diction approach for cyclic buckling angle was proposed, which was applicable to shear links with or without
stiffeners. Also, the influence of parameters on plastic overstrength was analyzed and discussed, and the theo­
retical model of the relationship between plastic overstrength and displacement angle was proposed for shear
links with or without stiffeners. Finally, based on the works above, a simplified theoretical model to predict the
relationship between shear force and displacement angle was proposed, with consideration of cyclic buckling.
The experimental validations confirmed it had good accuracy.

1. Introduction
For traditional seismic resistant structures, the seismic energy input
will be dissipated through the plastic deformation of structural compo­
nents when subjected to rare seismic loads. Therefore after the earth­
quake, such structures usually suffer great damage and residual
deformation, leading to a surge in retrofit costs. Thus, new ideas such as
eccentrically braced frames and energy-dissipation structures were
proposed in the 1970s and 1980s so as to improve the seismic behavior
of structures [1,2]. Both of them dissipate the seismic energy input by
adding energy dissipation elements, and therefore decrease the internal
force and inter-story displacement of structures. In addition, failure of
major components such as columns and shear walls can also be
decreased or avoided.
Steel shear links have been widely used as energy dissipation ele­
ments in eccentrically braced frames, and Popov has conducted series of
basic research on the mechanical behavior of shear links, including the
following issues: (1) the geometric dimension design, the connection
detail between shear links and peripheral components, and the welding
configuration details of the stiffeners [3]; (2) the limit of equivalent link
length coefficient to guarantee shear failure, the yielding loads and the
plastic overstrength coefficient for ultimate loads, the influence of the
axial loads, the demand of shear stiffness on peripheral components [4,
5]; (3) the constraining ability of stiffeners on cyclic web buckling, the
cyclic web buckling behavior, and the proposal for cyclic web buckling
displacement angle [6]; (4) the influence of the plastic overstrength on
connection components and peripheral components, and the nonlinear
load-displacement model for shear links based on concentrated plastic
hinge model [7,8].
In recent years, more theoretical research on shear links is being
conducted. Okazaki proposed recommendations on the flange buckling
behavior, the plastic overstrength, the cyclic web buckling and the
fracture characteristics [9]. Richards proposed a larger flange
width-thickness ratio to satisfy the rotation capacity of links [10]. Chao
conducted comparative research on various stiffeners and their welding
configuration, and proposed the configuration details to relieve cyclic
web fracture [11]. Corte proposed the theoretic plastic overstrength
coefficient at the shear displacement angle of 8% [12]. Kazemzadeh
reviewed the existing research and presented further research needed
[13].

* Corresponding author.
E-mail address: fanjsh@tsinghua.edu.cn (J.-S. Fan).

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tws.2020.106644
Received 26 October 2019; Received in revised form 30 December 2019; Accepted 28 January 2020
Available online 18 April 2020
0263-8231/© 2020 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
X.-G. Liu et al. Thin-Walled Structures 152 (2020) 106644

The research noted above are all based on steel shear links fabricated
with normal structural steel, and the target shear displacement angle is
limited to 8% because of potential cyclic web fracture. To gain better
shear deformation capacity, shear links fabricated with low yield steel
were proposed and studied. Experimental research confirmed that low-
yield steel shear links would have good load carrying capacity, stiffness,
energy dissipation capacity and ductility if the web aspect ratio and
stiffeners are properly designed [14–18]. However, such shear links also
have amazing plastic overstrength even larger than 2.0, because the low
yield steel has significant cyclic hardening [17,18]. Since the shear links
are also used as structural component in coupling beams, too large
plastic overstrength is unfavorable because it may cause unexpected
failure in other major structural elements or make them uneconomical.
Therefore, it would be helpful to use structural steel for the energy
dissipation shear links, which should have good ductility but less cyclic
hardening. Previous research confirmed that Q345GJ could satisfy this
criterion [19]. In addition, it was also confirmed that such shear links
have stable cyclic behavior and good deformation capacity but without
Fig. 1. Calibration of the kinematic hardening.
excessive plastic overstrength, and the plastic overstrength is similar to
links using ASTM grade 50 steel [20].
to define the cyclic constitutive model of Q345GJ steel. This model can
Based on the literature review above, it is found that the existing
predict the kinematic hardening and isotropic hardening characteristics,
research on cyclic web bucking behavior of shear links is still insufficient
as shown in Eq. (1),
because Popov just gave a design provision to gain 8% shear displace­
ment angle for links with stiffeners spacing smaller than web height [6]. f ðσ αÞ σ0 ¼ 0 (1)
The cyclic buckling behavior of links without stiffener or with stiffeners
spacing larger than web height is unclear, and a better theoretical model where fðσ αÞ is the equivalent Mises stress, α is the back stress for
for cyclic web buckling needs further research to be established. In kinematic hardening, σ0 is the yielding stress representing the isotropic
addition, previous research just recommended the plastic overstrength hardening characteristics. σ0 represents the yielding surface size, and it
coefficient of 1.4 at the shear displacement angle of 8%, but the mech­ can be described by superposition of multi nonlinear isotropic hard­
anism of plastic overstrength was still not detailed studied, and the ening, as shown in Eq. (2)
theoretical model between plastic overstrength and displacement angle
X
n
was still not given, which was insufficient to establish simplified theo­ σ 0 ¼ σ j0 þ Qi 1 e bi εp
�
(2)
retical model predicting the relationship between shear forces and i¼1
displacement angle. Furthermore, the influence of axial boundary con­
ditions on the cyclic web buckling and plastic overstrength behavior is where σ j0 is the initial yielding stress, Qi is the maximum value of the ith
also unclear. isotropic hardening, bi represents the hardening speed of the ith
Therefore, on the basis of the experimental research into Q345GJ isotropic hardening. Since Q345GJ steel rarely has isotropic hardening
steel shear links in literature [20], this paper will give theoretical [19], Qi and bi can be neglected.
research into the cyclic web buckling and plastic overstrength behavior The value of back stress for kinematic hardening α can be described
of energy dissipation shear links, and propose the simplified theoretical by a superposition of multi nonlinear kinematic hardening, as shown in
model of shear links, which can consider cyclic web buckling and plastic Eq. (3),
overstrength behavior, as well as the influence of axial boundary X
n Xn
Ci � �
conditions. α¼ αi ¼ 1 e γi εpl
þ α0i e γi εpl
(3)
i¼1
γ
i¼1 i

2. Numerical modelling and analysis of shear links

where Ci /γi is the maximum value of the ith kinematic hardening, γ i
represents the hardening speed of the ith kinematic hardening, α0i is the
For the convenience of analytical research, a reliable numerical
model of the shear links is essential to conduct more parametric analysis. initial value of the ith kinematic hardening, εpl is the plastic strain and it
Obviously, the cyclic behavior of Q345GJ steel will have a determina­ can be calculated from Eq. (4),
tive influence on the behavior of the shear links. Thus, a fine constitutive .
εpl ¼ ε σ E ε0p (4)
model of Q345GJ steel needs to be proposed before numerical modeling
of the shear links.
where ε0p is the negative strain corresponding to zero stress, E is the
2.1. Constitutive model of Q345GJ steel and details of experimental modulus of steel. Ci and γi can be determined from the stabilized stress-
specimens strain curve of strain cycle tests, as shown in Fig. 1. The back stress αk
and plastic strain εpl
k corresponding to the kth data point (σ k εk ) in Fig. 1
The results of coupon tests for Q345GJ steel indicated that the stress- can be calculated from Eq. (5) and Eq. (6), respectively,
strain relationship of such steel was quite stable, rarely exhibiting strain
αk ¼ σ k ðσ 1 þ σ n Þ=2 (5)
range effect or excessive cyclic hardening. In addition, the ratcheting
effect of Q345GJ steel is also simple, and the cumulative plastic strain .
goes up stably with increasing loading loops [19]. Thus, the cyclic εplk ¼ εk σk E ε0p (6)
constitutive model based on elastic-plastic mechanics is applicable as it
Previous research has confirmed that four superposition of kinematic
can give good prediction of the isotropic hardening and kinematic
hardening can give a relatively good prediction of steel cyclic behavior
hardening behavior. Moreover, such constitutive model can be realized
[21]. Thus, according to the stress-strain results of coupon tests, the
in commercial FE packages, such as ANSYS and ABAQUS.
parameters C1 to C4 and γ1 to γ 4 can be obtained by Eq. (3) to Eq. (6). The
Based on the discussions above, the Chaboche model [21] is selected

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Table 1
Parameters for the constitutive model of Q345GJ steel.
σj0 /MPa C1 /MPa γ1 C2 /MPa γ2 C3 /MPa γ3 C4 /MPa γ4 Qi bi

350 20000 1000 10000 100 600 20 350 10 – –

Fig. 2. Geometric illustration, loading procedure and loading equipment of shear links.

Table 2
Details of the link specimens.
specimen No. bf d tf tw a bs tst h b bs fy Mp Vp eVp
tw tf tst Mp
RSL-1 130 210 10 8 – – – 24 6.1 – 360 97 363 1.50
RSL-2 100 210 10 6 200 47 6 32 4.7 7.8 360 75 272 1.45
RSL-3 160 210 10 10 200 75 6 19 7.5 12.5 360 118 454 1.53
RSL-4 130 210 10 8 200 61 3 24 6.1 20.3 360 97 363 1.50
RSL-5 130 210 10 6 200 62 4 32 6.2 15.5 360 97 272 1.12
RSL-6-2 130 210 10 8 200 61 6 24 6.1 10.2 360 97 363 1.50
RSL-6-3 130 210 10 8 200 61 6 24 6.1 10.2 360 97 363 1.50
RSL-7 130 210 10 8 133 61 6 24 6.1 10.2 360 97 363 1.50
RSL-8 115 210 10 8 200 54 6 24 5.4 8.9 360 86 363 1.69
RSL-9 105 210 10 8 200 49 6 24 4.9 8.1 360 79 363 1.84
RSL-10 130 210 10 8 200 61 4 24 6.1 15.3 360 97 363 1.50

*the unit of geometric dimension is all mm, the unit of fy is MPa, the unit of Mp is kN.m, the unit of Vp is kN.

parameters for the constitutive model of Q345GJ steel are summarized
in Table 1.
Brief introduction of the experimental research is shown in Fig. 2,
including the geometric illustration, loading procedure and loading
equipment of shear links. All of the links are subjected to standard
loading procedure (each displacement angle has 2 cycles), as shown in
Fig. 2(b), but specimen RSL-6-3 is subjected to severe loading procedure
(each displacement angle has 4 cycles) to explore the influence of
loading cycles. Detailed data of all specimens is shown in Table 2. RSL-6-
2 is the basic specimen, accordingly, RSL-1 and RSL-7 have different
stiffener spacing, RSL-2, RSL-3 and RSL-5 have different web thickness,
RSL-4, RSL-5 and RSL-10 have different stiffener thickness, RSL-8 and
RSL-9 have different equivalent link length coefficient eVp/Mp. The
detailed results and analysis of experimental research is already
presented in previous paper [20].
2.2. Modeling details of shear links
The model of shear links was established using ANSYS. The steel
plate was simulated using SHELL181 element, which has 4 nodes and
each node has 6� of freedom. Such elements can also consider the
transverse shear deformation in the thickness direction. The height of
the link web will have a significant influence on the mechanical
behavior of shear links. Thus, the shell element eccentricity of the flange
was used to make the geometric dimension of the numerical model
completely coincide with that of the experimental specimens, as illus­
trated in Fig. 3(a). As the steel plates of shear links may exhibit signif­
icant out-of-plane buckling, the shell elements were divided into 9 layers

Fig. 3. Numerical model of the shear link.

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X.-G. Liu et al.
Fig. 4. Results of mesh size test for RSL-1.
[12] in the thickness direction so that both accuracy and efficiency of
numerical analysis can be obtained. In the model, one end of the link is
totally fixed, and the other is only allowed to slide in the loading
direction.
The link web may exhibit significant cyclic web buckling if the link is
subjected to large cyclic shear displacement. Thus, the mesh size will
significantly influence the numerical results, and needs to be carefully
tested. The mesh of numerical model is illustrated in Fig. 3(b). Sensi­
tivity analysis of the mesh size is performed using a mesh size including
one sixth, one ninth, one twelfth, and one fifteenth of web height. All the
four mesh sizes were adopted in the numerical simulation for RSL-1
[20], and the comparative results are shown in Fig. 4. As can be seen
from the comparison, mesh size of one sixth of web height is too large to
give satisfactory prediction of the cyclic web buckling behavior. Mesh
size with one ninth, one twelfth and one fifteenth web height all can give
good prediction of the buckling displacement angle and the plastic
overstrength behavior before cyclic web buckling occurs. Smaller mesh
size can give more satisfactory simulation of post-buckling behavior and
have better numerical convergence, but the computational time cost
increases sharply. Since the post-buckling behavior is not the focus of
this research, it is recommended to use one ninth or one tenth of web
height as mesh size. As can be seen from Fig. 4, the numerical simulation
with mesh size of one ninth web height already fits well with the test
results.
In the earlier research, it was validated that the web cyclic buckling
is related to the amount of energy dissipated due to link inelastic
deformation [6], thus residual stress and small geometric imperfection
had little influence on web cyclic web buckling [12]. Therefore, this
research would not pay attention to the residual stress and geometric
imperfection.
2.3. Model validations and discussions
To validate the numerical model, the tested results of specimens [20]
were compared with numerical simulation results. The relationship of
shear load and displacement angle by numerical simulation and that of
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Thin-Walled Structures 152 (2020) 106644
experimental research is compared in Fig. 5. As can be seen, the nu­
merical results fit well with the experimental results before the specimen
exhibit cyclic fracture. The numerical model provides good prediction of
the stiffness and load bearing capacity of shear links, as well as the cyclic
web buckling behavior. Moreover, the load bearing capacity degrada­
tion after cyclic web buckling also gets good predictions to some extent.
The numerical model cannot simulate the behavior of shear links after
cyclic fracture occurs because the fracture behavior of steel is not
considered in the model. However, the cyclic fracture behavior of shear
links is not the research focus in this paper.
The cyclic web buckling has significant influence because most of the
experimental specimens quickly exhibit web fracture after cyclic web
buckling occurs. Therefore, the simulation of cyclic web buckling is very
important. The buckling modes for all specimens by numerical simula­
tion are shown in Fig. 6, and all of them fit well with experimental re­
sults [20]. Specimen RSL-3 exhibits cyclic web buckling at shear
displacement angle of 0.16 during numerical simulation, but cyclic web
fracture first occurs at shear displacement angle of 0.11 during the test.
Specimen RSL-7 exhibits local transverse shear failure at both end of
shear links during numerical simulation. Such failure occurs because the
stiffener spacing is too small, and similar failure is also observed in
previous research by Popov [3].
To further discuss the cyclic web buckling behavior, the relationship
of the largest web out-of-plane deformation Uymax and the shear
displacement angle γ is summarized, as shown in Fig. 7. As can be seen,
there is rarely out-of-plane deformation before web buckling displace­
ment angle, but Uymax increases sharply after web buckling. The nu­
merical cyclic web buckling displacement angle γ bfea is defined as the
displacement angle when Uymax begins to increase sharply, and the
comparison between γ bfea and the experimental buckling angle γ bt is
shown in Table 3. The numerical results γ bfea fit well with the experi­
mental results γbt. Specimen RSL-4 exhibits cyclic web buckling earlier
during the test because the width-thickness ratio of the stiffener exceeds
the limit of AISC 360-10 [22] for the compressive member, and could
not provide enough constraint to web out-of-plane buckling.
Furthermore, it can be concluded from the relationship of Uymax and
X.-G. Liu et al.
Fig. 5. Comparison of the relationship of shear load and displacement angle.
γ, including: (1). Uymax of RSL-2 increases faster than that of RSL-6 with
smaller web height-thickness ratio after web buckling; (2). by compar­
ison of RSL-6-2, RSL-8 and RSL-9, Uymax of specimens with larger coef­
ficient eVp/Mp increases faster after web buckling; (3). the stiffener
thickness and the coefficient eVp/Mp has limited influence on the cyclic
web buckling of shear links, and the determinative parameters include
web height-thickness ratio and stiffener spacing.
3. Discussions on the axial constraint
3.1. Analysis of the additional axial force
For shear links with full axial constraint, the links would exhibit
significant axial tension with increasing shear displacement angle in
loading process. Meanwhile, the links would also exhibit significant
axial compression with deceasing unloading shear displacement angle in
unloading and reloading process, as shown in Fig. 8(a), where N is the
axial force in links and A is the cross-sectional area of links. For
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Thin-Walled Structures 152 (2020) 106644
specimens RSL-1, RSL-2 and RSL-6-2 with different web height-thickness
ratio and stiffer spacing, the relationship between additional axial force
N/Afy and γ is almost the same before web buckling.
The relationship of the axial tension and shear force in links, which is
presented in the form of NAw/VA, is important for the design of shear
links. The relationship between NAw/VA and γ is presented in Fig. 8(b).
With increasing γ, the axial tension in links almost increases linearly
with the shear force, which can be appropriately presented as Eq. (7).
NAw/VA approaches 0.3 when γ is 8%, and such significant tension force
may obviously exacerbate cyclic web fracture behavior (more analysis
about the cyclic web fracture behavior induced by axial tension force is
presented in chapter 4.1). Therefore, it is recommended that γ not
exceed 8% for links with full axial constraint.
NAw = VA ¼ 4γ (7)
X.-G. Liu et al.
Fig. 6. Buckling modes by numerical simulation.
3.2. Analysis of the web buckling behavior
The additional axial force induced by axial constraint may have in­
fluence on the out-of-plane deformation of webs, and further affect the
web buckling displacement angle. Thus, the out-of-plane deformation of
webs for shear links with or without axial constraint is comparatively
studied, as shown in Fig. 9, where RSL-6-2, RSL-2 and RSL-1 have full
axial constraint while RSL-6-2-NC, RSL-2-NC and RSL-1-NC are free in
axial direction. As can be seen, the out-of-place deformation Uymax for
the specimens free in axial direction is a bit larger than that with full
axial constraint. However, the web buckling displacement angle is
almost the same regardless of the axial constraint.
3.3. Analysis of the plastic overstrength
In previous research of the shear links in eccentrically braced frames,
it is confirmed that the axial force may influence the plastic overstrength
of links [12]. Also, the plastic overstrength of links with full axial
constraint is larger than that without axial constraint, as shown in
Fig. 10. Moreover, as the additional axial force increases with γ (Fig. 8),
the influence of axial constraint on plastic overstrength becomes more
significant with the increase of γ.
As the axial constraint has little influence on web buckling behavior,
it may be feasible to propose a coefficient to account for the influence of
axial constraint on plastic overstrength. For specific value of γ, the
plastic overstrength coefficient Ωγ for links without axial constraint can
be presented as follows:
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Thin-Walled Structures 152 (2020) 106644
�
Ωγ ¼ Vγ Vp 1 (8)
where Vγ is the shear force corresponding to shear displacement angle γ,
Vp is the yielding load of shear links. Thus, the plastic overstrength Ωac
γ
of links with axial constraint can be presented as follows,
Ωac (9)
γ ¼ kac Ωγ ðΩγ > 0Þ
where kac is the coefficient to account for the influence of axial
constraint. Obviously, kac increases nonlinearly with γ (Fig. 10).
Therefore, it can be presented as superposition of exponential function.
� �
kac ¼ 0:8 1 e 200γ þ 0:5 1 e 20γ (10)
If we use the coefficient kac to revise the relationship of V/Vp and γ
for links without axial constraint, the theoretical relationship between
V/Vp and γ for links with full axial constraint can be obtained. The
comparison of theoretical results and test results for RSL-6-2 is shown in
Fig. 11. As can be seen, the coefficient kac exactly accounts for the in­
fluence of axial constraints. For specimens RSL-1, RSL-2 and other
specimens with different web height-thickness ratio and stiffener
spacing, the theoretical coefficient kac can give good results as well.
4. Discussions on axial force
For links play roles of both energy dissipation and load bearing, they
may be subjected to axial forces for some extent. For example, the shear
X.-G. Liu et al. Thin-Walled Structures 152 (2020) 106644

Fig. 7. Relationship of largest web out-of-plane deformation and shear displacement angle.

Table 3
Comparison of the numerical web buckling displacement angle and the experimental one.
Specimen RSL-1 RSL-2 RSL-4 RSL-5 RSL-6-2 RSL-6-3 RSL-8 RSL-9 RSL-10

γbt/rad 0.07 0.06 0.09 0.06 0.10 0.09 0.10 – 0.10

γbfea/rad 0.08 0.07 0.11 0.06 0.11 0.09 0.11 0.11 0.10
Δγ/rad 0.01 0.01 0.02 0 0.01 0 0.01 – 0

Fig. 8. Relationship between the additional axial force and γ

links in coupling beams, or the links used as energy dissipation supports 6-2 with different web height-thickness ratio and stiffener spacing will
in girder bridges. In this section, an analytical research will be con­ be numerically simulated. In the numerical analysis, the specimens have
ducted on the influence of axial force. Specimens RSL-1, RSL-2 and RSL- no axial displacement constraint, and are subjected to different axial

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X.-G. Liu et al. Thin-Walled Structures 152 (2020) 106644

Fig. 9. The comparison of web out-of-plane deformation.

Fig. 10. The influence of axial constraint on plastic overstrength.

Fig. 11. Comparison of the theoretical and experimental relationship between V/Vp and γ for links with axial constraint.

forces. 4.2. Analysis of the web buckling behavior

Too severe axial compression or tension may change the failure

4.1. Analysis of the failure modes
In this section, it is assumed that the compression is positive while
the tension negative. The axial compression ratio n is defined as n ¼ N/
Afy. If the axial tension or compression is not significant ( 0.2<n < 0.2),
the failure modes of links have no change. But, if the axial compression
becomes more significant (n > 0.3), the links will fail by compressive
buckling, as shown in Fig. 12. Also, if the axial tension becomes more
significant (n < 0.3), the links will fail by tensile elongation, as shown
in Fig. 13.
For links with different axial force, such as RSL-6-2, the relationship
between axial deformation Uz and γ is shown in Fig. 14. Similar figures
can be obtained for other specimens with different web height-thickness
ratio and stiffener spacing as well. It also tells that the links would have
significant axial deformation with the increase of γ if n > 0.2 or n <
0.2. If n ¼ 0.2, the axial elongation also increases sharply after γ
exceeds 8% and finally exhibited tensile failure. Thus, it is recom­
mended that the service displacement angle of links subjected to axial
force (n < 0.1) should be limited within 8%.
mode of links. Yet, if the axial tension or compression is not significant
( 0.2<n < 0.2), all links exhibits cyclic web buckling, which is same as
the links with no axial force. For links with different axial forces, such as
RSL-1, the relationship between the out-of-plane deformation Uymax and
γ is shown in Fig. 15. As can be seen, although the out-of-place defor­
mation Uymax for different axial forces is a bit different, their cyclic web
buckling angle is the same. Other specimens with different web height-
thickness ratio and stiffener spacing will give same conclusions as well.
Thus, if 0.2<n < 0.2, the links also exhibit cyclic web buckling, and
their web buckling angle will not be affected by the axial force.
4.3. Analysis of plastic overstrength
Obviously, the axial tension may improve the plastic overstrength
while the compression may reduce it. For RSL-1, the relationship be­
tween plastic overstrength and γ for different axial forces is shown in
Fig. 16. For specific value of γ, V/Vp decreases with the increase of axial
compression. The axial tension can improve V/Vp. However, the

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X.-G. Liu et al. Thin-Walled Structures 152 (2020) 106644

Fig. 12. Failure mode and principal stress distribution of links under significant compression (n ¼ 0.3).

Fig. 13. Failure mode and principal stress distribution of links under significant tension (n ¼ 0.3).

Fig. 14. The relationship between Uz and γ for links with different force.

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Fig. 15. The comparison of web out-of-plane deformation for different axial forces.

Fig. 16. Relationship between plastic overstrength and γ for different axial forces.

Fig. 17. Comparison of theoretical results and FEA results for the relationship between V/Vp and γ for links with different axial forces.

relationship between plastic overstrength and γ for n ¼ 0.1, n ¼ 0.2

Ωan
γ ¼ kan Ωγ ðΩγ > 0Þ (11)
and n ¼ 0.3 is almost the same, indicating that larger axial tension may
not continuously improve plastic overstrength. For other specimens with
where kan is the coefficient to account for the influence of axial forces, Ωγ
different web height-thickness ratio and stiffener spacing, the same
is defined in Eq. (8). According to the analysis of Fig. 16, kan can be
conclusions can be drawn as above.
presented as a piecewise function:
As the axial force also has little influence on web buckling, it is also
feasible to propose a coefficient to account for the influence of axial 8
< 1 ðn � 0:1Þ
forces on plastic overstrength. The plastic overstrength Ωan
γ of links with kan ¼ 1 þ n (12)
:
axial forces can be presented as follows: 1:1 1 ðn < 0:1Þ

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Fig. 19. Web aspect ratio e/h vs. cyclic buckling angle γb.
Fig. 18. Web height-thickness ratio h/tw vs. cyclic buckling angle γb.

If we use the coefficient kan to revise the relationship of V/Vp and γ

for links without axial force, the theoretical relationship between V/Vp
and γ for links with different axial forces can be obtained. The com­
parison of theoretical results and FEA results for RSL-1 are shown in
Fig. 17. As can be seen, the coefficient kan exactly accounts for the in­
fluence of different axial forces. For other specimens with different web
height-thickness ratio and stiffener spacing, the theoretical coefficient
kan can give good results as well.

5. Analysis of cyclic web buckling

The cyclic web buckling behavior is critical because it may cause

significant load bearing capacity degradation and result in web fracture
failure, which is unfavorable for the energy dissipation shear links.
Previous research confirmed that the web height-thickness ratio and
stiffener spacing are the dominant parameters for cyclic web buckling
behavior, but the suggested approach cannot give good prediction in
some cases [20]. Thus, it is necessary to conduct more theoretical
research to analyze the influence of various parameters, and give a
theoretical approach to predict the cyclic web buckling displacement
angle.
Obviously, the dominant parameters for cyclic web buckling include
web height-thickness ratio and stiffener spacing for shear links with
stiffeners, and the dominant parameters include web height-thickness
ratio and web aspect ratio (the ratio of link length to web height) for
shear links without stiffeners. In addition, their mechanism may be
similar. As the axial constraint and axial forces have little influence on
the cyclic web buckling behavior, all the following analysis is based on
shear links subjected to pure shear force.
5.1. Analysis of web height-thickness ratio
Web height-thickness ratio (h/tw) is the most dominant parameter of
shear buckling behavior which should be firstly analyzed [6]. Specimen
RSL-1 [20] was used as the prototype for parametric analysis. The nu­
merical specimens with different h/tw were analyzed by numerical
simulation, and the cyclic web buckling displacement angle γ b for all
specimens was obtained. To exclude the influence by other parameters,
the equivalent link length coefficient eVp/Mp varied little around 1.5,
and the web aspect ratio also varied little around 2. Based on the results
of numerical analysis, the relationship between h/tw and γ b was ob­
tained, as shown in Fig. 18. With the increase of h/tw, γb decreases
sharply. Their relationship fits well with the power function, and can be
presented as Eq. (13).
γ b ¼ 12ðh=tw Þ 1:58
(13)
Fig. 20. The relationship between coefficient je and web aspect ratio e/h.
5.2. Analysis of web aspect ratio
The variation of web aspect ratio (e/h) may influence the direction of
principal stress, especially when e is quite smaller than h. Therefore, it
may also have a significant influence on γ b. Specimen RSL-1 [20] was
also used as the prototype for parametric analysis. The numerical
specimens with different e/h were analyzed by numerical simulation,
and the γ b for all specimens was obtained. To exclude the mutual in­
fluence by other parameters, h/tw remained 23.8 unchanged, and
eVp/Mp varied a little around 1.5. Based on the results of numerical
analysis, the relationship between e/h and γ b was obtained and shown in
Fig. 19. As can be seen, γb decreases sharply with the increase of e/h
before e/h exceeds 2. However, γ b remains unchanged after e/h exceeds
2. Therefore, the coefficient je can be defined to account for the influence
of web aspect ratio, as shown in Eq. (14). The relationship between je
and e/h is shown in Fig. 20. Their relationship fits well with the expo­
nential results, and can be presented as Eq. (15). Thus, the theoretical
value of γ b for links without stiffeners can be predicted using Eq. (16).
γb
je ¼ (14)
γb ðe=h ¼ 2Þ
je ¼ 16:3e 3:49he
þ1 (15)
γ b ¼ 12je ðh=tw Þ 1:58
(16)
5.3. Analysis of stiffener spacing
The variation of stiffener spacing (a/h) may also influence the di­
rection of principal stress. Similar to the influence of web aspect ratio, it
may also have significant influence on γ b if a is quite smaller than h. Yet,
the constraint of stiffeners on web is quite limited with comparison to
the end plates of links, and therefore the influence of a/h may be also
different from that of e/h. Specimen RSL-2 (h/tw ¼ 31.7) and RSL-6-2 (h/

11
X.-G. Liu et al.
Fig. 21. Stiffener spacing a/h vs. cyclic buckling angle γb.
Fig. 22. The relationship between coefficient ja and stiffener spacing a/h.
tw ¼ 23.8) were used as the prototype for parametric analysis to explore
the influence of stiffener spacing. Totally 2 group of specimens (h/tw ¼
31.7 and h/tw ¼ 23.8) with different a/h were analyzed by numerical
simulation, and the value of γ b for all specimens was obtained. To
exclude the mutual influence by other parameters, eVp/Mp varied a little
around 1.5. Based on the results of numerical analysis, the relationship
between a/h and γb was obtained, as shown in Fig. 21. As can be seen, γb
also decreases sharply with the increase of a/h before ah exceeds 2.
However, γ b remains unchanged after a/h exceeds 2. Therefore, the
coefficient ja can also be defined to account for the influence of stiffener
spacing, as shown in Eq. (17). The relationship between ja and a/h is
shown in Fig. 22. Their relationship also fits well with the exponential
function, and can be presented as Eq. (18). Thus, the theoretical value of
γ b for links with different stiffener spacing can be predicted using Eq.
(19).
γb
ja ¼
γb ða=h ¼ 2Þ
ja ¼ 5:85e 2:57ah
þ1
γ b ¼ 12ja ðh=tw Þ 1:58
5.4. Discussions on eVp/Mp and steel hardening
The equivalent link length coefficient eVp/Mp can influence the ratio
of flexural stiffness to shear stiffness of links, and therefore may influ­
ence the cyclic web buckling behavior of links. However, by numerical
analysis, the buckling angle γ b was confirmed to have no change when
eVp/Mp varies between 0.5 and 1.6. In addition, the buckling angle γb
was also confirmed to have no change when the kinematic hardening
value α varies between 80 MPa and 250 MPa. Thus, it can be concluded
that γ b will not be influenced by the coefficient eVp/Mp and the hard­
ening value α.
Thin-Walled Structures 152 (2020) 106644
Fig. 23. The relationship between V/Vp and γ
Fig. 24. The relationship between plastic overstrength coefficient Ωγ and γ
6. Analysis of plastic overstrength
Plastic overstrength is another critical behavior of the shear links.
The theoretical research on plastic overstrength is quite necessary for
the design of shear links and the energy dissipation structures. Thus, in
this section the theoretical research will be conducted to identify the
critical parameters for plastic overstrength behavior and analyze their
influence. Finally, the theoretical approach to predict the plastic over­
strength will be proposed.
Previous research indicated that short links with eVp/Mp smaller
than 1 may have much more significant plastic overstrength [18], and
larger flange cross-sectional area may improve plastic overstrength
[12]. In addition, the hardening behavior of steel will obviously influ­
ence the plastic overstrength of links. The influence of web
height-thickness ratio, web aspect ratio, and stiffener spacing, is not
evident, and therefore will also be analyzed.
(17)
6.1. Analysis of web height-thickness ratio
(18)
Specimen RSL-1 without stiffeners [20] was used as the prototype for
(19) parametric analysis on the influence of h/tw. Specimens with various
h/tw were analyzed by numerical simulation, and the relationship be­
tween V/Vp and γ was obtained for all specimens, as shown in Fig. 23. To
exclude the mutual influence, the equivalent link length coefficient
eVp/Mp varied a little around 1.5. As can be seen from Fig. 23, with the
decrease of h/tw, the web buckling angle γ b and the ultimate plastic
overstrength Vu/Vp increase. However, before cyclic web buckling oc­
curs, the relationship between V/Vp and γ for all specimens completely
coincides. That’s to say, h/tw will not influence the relationship between
V/Vp and γ.
Thus, the relationship between Ωγ (defined in Eq. (8)) and γ can be
obtained from the relationship between V/Vp and γ, as shown in Fig. 24.
In addition, a basic theoretical relationship for Ωγ and γ can be
12
X.-G. Liu et al. Thin-Walled Structures 152 (2020) 106644

Fig. 25. The relationship between plastic overstrength coefficient Ω0.08 and Fig. 27. The relationship between plastic overstrength coefficient Ω0.08 and
web aspect ratio e/h. link length coefficient eVp/Mp.

Fig. 26. The relationship between plastic overstrength coefficient Ω0.08 and
Fig. 28. The relationship between plastic overstrength coefficient Ω0.08 and
stiffener spacing a/h.
steel hardening value a.

established regardless of h/tw, as shown in Eq. (20). Also, the theoretical

between plastic overstrength Ω0.08 and stiffener spacing a/h is shown in
relationship for V/Vp and γ can be established using Eq. (21).
Fig. 26, and it can be presented using Eq. (25). Thus, the theoretical
Ωγ ¼ 0:372 0:211e 15:8γ
0:382e 93:9γ
ðΩγ > 0Þ (20) relationship for Ωγ and γ accounting for the influence of stiffener spacing
can be presented using Eq. (26). For specimen with a/h ¼ 2.1, Ω0.08 is
�
Vγ ¼ Vp ð1 þ Ωγ Þ ¼ Vp 1 þ 0:372 0:211e 15:8γ
0:382e 93:9γ
(21) about 0.308. Thus, the coefficient ka to account for the influence of
stiffener spacing can be presented using Eq. (27).

6.2. Analysis of web aspect ratio and stiffener spacing Ω0:08 ¼ 0:294 þ 0:119e a=h
(25)
�
By numerical parametric analysis on web aspect ratio, it is found that Ωγ ¼ ka 0:372 0:211e 15:8γ
0:382e 93:9γ
(26)
the plastic overstrength corresponding to specific shear displacement
angle, namely Vγ/Vp, increases with decrease of web aspect ratio. 0:294 þ 0:119e a=h
ka ¼ (27)
Therefore, a coefficient is needed to revise the theoretical relationship 0:308
for Ωγ and γ, accounting for the influence of web aspect ratio. At the
shear displacement angle of 8%, the relationship between plastic over­ 6.3. Analysis of link length coefficient eVp/Mp
strength Ω0.08 and web aspect ratio e/h is shown in Fig. 25, and it can be
presented using Eq. (22). Thus, the theoretical relationship for Ωγ and γ By numerical parametric analysis on eVp/Mp, it is also found that Vγ/
accounting for the influence of web aspect ratio can be presented using Vp, increases with the decrease of eVp/Mp. At the shear displacement
Eq. (23). As Eq. (20) is established based on specimen RSL-1 with e/h ¼ angle of 8%, the relationship between Ω0.08 and eVp/Mp is shown in
2.1, saying that Ω0.08 of RSL-1 is about 0.312, the coefficient ke to ac­ Fig. 27, and it can be presented using Eq. (28). Thus, the theoretical
count for the influence of web aspect ratio can be presented using Eq. relationship for Ωγ and γ accounting for the influence of coefficient eVp/
(24). Mp can be presented using Eq. (29). For specimen with eVp/Mp ¼ 1.55,
Ω0.08 is about 0.314. Thus, the coefficient kevm to account for the in­
Ω0:08 ¼ 0:274 þ 0:084e 0:35e=h
(22)
fluence of coefficient eVp/Mp can be presented using Eq. (30).
�
Ωγ ¼ ke 0:372 0:211e 15:8γ
0:382e 93:9γ
(23) eVp
(28)
3:06 Mp
Ω0:08 ¼ 0:306 þ 0:923e

0:274 þ 0:084e 0:35e=h �

ke ¼ (24) Ωγ ¼ kevm 0:372 0:211e 15:8γ
0:382e 93:9γ
(29)
0:312
Similar conclusions can be obtained by numerical parametric anal­ 0:306 þ 0:923e
3:06 Mp
eVp

ysis on stiffener spacing as well. Vγ/Vp also increases with the decrease of kevm ¼ (30)
0:314
stiffener spacing. At the shear displacement angle of 8%, the relationship

13
X.-G. Liu et al. Thin-Walled Structures 152 (2020) 106644

6.4. Analysis of steel hardening

Steel hardening value a is the difference between ultimate strength

and yield strength of structural steel. Obviously, Vγ/Vp, increases with
the increase of a. By numerical parametric analysis, the relationship
between Ω0.08 and a can be obtained, as shown in Fig. 28. The linear
relationship can be presented using Eq. (31). Thus, the theoretical
relationship for Ωγ and γ accounting for the influence of steel hardening
value a can be presented using Eq. (33). For specimen with a ¼ 155 MPa,
Ω0.08 is about 0.314. Thus, the coefficient kmat to account for the influ­
ence of steel hardening value a can be presented using Eq. (33).
�
Ω0:08 ¼ 0:076 þ 0:905α fy (31)
� Fig. 29. Determination of elastic proportional limit point and equivalent secant
Ωγ ¼ kmat 0:372 0:211e 15:8γ
0:382e 93:9γ
(32) stiffness of links.
�
0:076 þ 0:905α fy
kmat ¼ (33)
0:314 Table 4
Comparative validation of the design provisions with experimental and nu­
7. Theoretical prediction model merical results.
Specimen No. γbt γbfea γbp Vut Vufea Vup Kep/Ket
7.1. Shear links without stiffeners Vp Vp Vp
RSL-1 0.07 0.08 0.08 1.35 1.36 1.36 0.97
For shear links without stiffeners, the cyclic web buckling angle γb RSL-2 0.06 0.07 0.07 1.35 1.41 1.37 0.94
RSL-3 0.16 0.16 1.47 1.42 1.43 0.96
can be predicted by Eq. (15) and Eq. (16). If the link is subjected to axial
–
RSL-4 0.09 0.11 0.11 1.40 1.42 1.43 0.95
force, the theoretical relationship for Vγ and γ can be predicted by Eq. RSL-5 0.06 0.06 0.07 1.37 1.40 1.39 0.90
(34), where kan、ke、kevm and kmat are already detailed presented above RSL-6-2 0.10 0.11 0.11 1.48 1.45 1.44 0.95
by Eq. (12), Eq. (24), Eq. (30), and Eq. (33), respectively. RSL-6-3 0.09 0.09 0.11 1.43 1.40 1.43 0.95
RSL-7 – – 0.16 1.51 1.48 1.48 0.94
Vγ ¼ Vp ð1� þ Ωγ Þ ðΩγ > 0Þ RSL-8 0.10 0.11 0.11 1.44 1.41 1.44 0.95
��
¼ Vp 1 þ kan ke kevm kmat 0:372 0:211e 15:8γ
0:382e 93:9γ
ðγ � γb Þ RSL-9 0.10 0.11 0.11 1.44 1.38 1.43 0.98
RSL-10 0.10 0.10 0.11 1.47 1.44 1.44 0.99
(34)
*γbt, γbfea, and γbp units in rad.
If the link is subjected to full axial constraint, the theoretical rela­
tionship for Vγ and γ can be predicted by Eq. (35), where kac、ke、kevm
Gs are the tensile and shear modulus of steel, e is the link length, I is the
and kmat are already detailed presented above by Eq. (10), Eq. (24), Eq.
cross sectional moment of inertia, Aw is the cross sectional area of the
(30), and Eq. (33), respectively.
web. The yield shear displacement angle γ p of links can be calculated
Vγ ¼ Vp ð1� þ Ωγ Þ ðΩγ > 0Þ �� using Eq. (39).
15:8γ 93:9γ
¼ Vp 1 þ kac ke kevm kmat 0:372 0:211e 0:382e ðγ � γb Þ
1
(35) Ket ¼ � �
1 Kf þ 1 Ks
� 3 (38)
7.2. Shear links with stiffeners Kf ¼ 12Es I e
Ks ¼ Gs Aw =e
For shear links with stiffeners, the cyclic web buckling angle γb can
�
be predicted by Eq. (18) and Eq. (19). If the link is subjected to axial γ p ¼ Vp Ket (39)
force, the theoretical relationship for Vγ and γ can be predicted by Eq.
(36), where kan、ka、kevm and kmat are already detailed presented above The elastic proportional limit point and the equivalent secant stiff­
by Eq. (12), Eq. (27), Eq. (30), and Eq. (33), respectively. ness can be determined by the crossing point of theoretical linear elastic
curve and the nonlinear plastic overstrength relationship between V/Vp
Vγ ¼ Vp ð1� þ Ωγ Þ ðΩγ > 0Þ �� and γ, as illustrated in Fig. 29. According to the experimental and nu­
15:8γ 93:9γ
¼ Vp 1 þ kan ka kevm kmat 0:372 0:211e 0:382e ðγ � γb Þ merical research, the displacement angle of elastic proportional limit
(36) point varies little around 0.32%, saying that here displacement angle γ p
If the link is subjected to full axial constraint, the theoretical rela­ of links can be simply selected as 0.32%, and the equivalent secant
tionship for Vγ and γ can be predicted by Eq. (37), where kac、ka、kevm stiffness can be simply selected as Kep ¼ V0.0032/0.0032.
and kmat are already detailed presented above by Eq. (10), Eq. (27), Eq.
(30), and Eq. (33), respectively. 7.4. Experimental validations

Vγ ¼ Vp ð1� þ Ωγ Þ ðΩγ > 0Þ

15:8γ 93:9γ
�� The experimental specimens from literature [20] are used to conduct
¼ Vp 1 þ kac ka kevm kmat 0:372 0:211e 0:382e ðγ � γ b Þ comparative validation of the design provisions with experimental and
(37) numerical results. The validation results are summarized in Table 4,
where γ bt, γbfea, and γbp are the cyclic web buckling angle from tests,
7.3. Equivalent secant stiffness Ke numerical simulation and theoretical design provisions, respectively;
Vut, Vufea and Vup are the ultimate load bearing capacity from tests,
For links at elastic stage, the theoretical effective shear stiffness Ket numerical simulation and theoretical design provision, respectively; Ket
can be calculated using Eq. (38), where Kf and Ks are the flexural stiff­ and Kep are the theoretical and simplified equivalent secant stiffness,
ness and shear stiffness of links with fixed boundary at both ends, Es and respectively. As can be seen, all theoretical results fit well with the

14
X.-G. Liu et al. Thin-Walled Structures 152 (2020) 106644

Fig. 30. The comparison of experimental, numerical and theoretical skeleton curves.

Table 5
Validation of the design provisions by previous tests.
Literature [18] Literature [17]

Specimen No. L11C L11 0.090 L13 Q11 Q12 Q13 L21 Q22 H485

γbp 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.06 0.09 0.09 0.06 0.09 0.09 0.10
γbt 0.10 0.11 0.08 0.07 0.09 0.09 0.06 0.11 0.09 0.11

experimental and numerical results. The value of γ bfea and γbp is a bit
larger than γ bt because the geometric imperfections are not considered in
the model. The value of γ bt of RSL-6-3 is a bit smaller because it was
subjected to more severe loading procedures. Furthermore, the com­
parison of experimental, numerical and theoretical skeleton curves is
shown in Fig. 30. As can be seen, the theoretical curve fits perfect with
the experimental and numerical curve before cyclic web buckling.
In addition, some previous tests by other researchers are also referred
to validate the theoretical design provisions, as shown in Table 5. As can
be seen, the theoretical results also fit well with the experimental results.
As the detailed steel hardening characteristic of these tests were not
provided, the plastic overstrength of these specimens could not be

15
X.-G. Liu et al.
validated. Although many tests on shear links in eccentrically braced
frames are conducted before, most of the specimens are long links with
dense stiffeners. As these specimens mostly exhibit local shear failure or
cyclic fracture instead of cyclic web buckling, they are not used for
validation in this section.
8. Conclusions
In this paper, the numerical model for shear links is firstly estab­
lished using ANSYS 12.0. Afterwards, the numerical model is carefully
validated, and the mechanism of links and the distribution of stress and
strain are also discussed. On this basis, the influence of axial constraint
and axial forces on the cyclic buckling and plastic overstrength behavior
of links is discussed, and the coefficients to account for the influence of
axial constraint and axial forces on plastic overstrength behavior are
proposed. Furthermore, the cyclic web buckling behavior and the plastic
overstrength characteristics are also parametrically studied, and the
theoretical prediction model for shear links is also proposed and vali­
dated. The following conclusions can be drawn from this study.
(1) The full axial constraint can result in gradually increasing axial
tension with the increase of shear displacement angle. This phe­
nomenon has little influence on the buckling behavior of links,
but can significantly improve the plastic overstrength, and may
also cause cyclic web tensile fracture. Thus, it is recommended
the design service angle for links with full axial constraint not
exceed 8%.
(2) Shear links with similar characteristics (equivalent link length
eVp/Mp smaller than 1.6 and exhibit web shear yielding failure)
to those studied will exhibit compressive buckling failure when
subjected to large axial compression (n > 0.3), and will exhibit
tensile elongation failure when subjected to large tension (n <
0.3). The axial force has little influence on cyclic web buckling.
It is also recommended that the displacement angle of links
subjected to axial tension not exceed 8% to avoid tensile fracture,
especially when n < 0.2. The plastic overstrength gradually
decreases with the increase of axial compression. The axial ten­
sion can slightly improve plastic overstrength.
(3) Web height-thickness ratio h/tw has determinative influence on
cyclic buckling angle γ b. Web aspect ratio e/h or stiffener spacing
a/h also has significant influence on γb, but γ b varies little after e/
h or a/h exceeds 2. The equivalent link length coefficient eVp/Mp
and the steel hardening value α have little influence on γb.
(4) Web height-thickness ratio h/tw has little influence on the plastic
overstrength characteristics. The decrease of web aspect ratio e/h
or stiffener spacing a/h can slightly improve plastic overstrength,
the decrease of equivalent link length coefficient eVp/Mp can
significantly improve plastic overstrength, and the increase of
steel hardening value α can linearly improve plastic overstrength.
(5) The theoretical prediction model can give good prediction of the
behavior of links.
Ethical statement
Authors state that the research was conducted according to ethical
standards.
Declaration of competing interest
The authors declare that they have no known competing financial
interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence
the work reported in this paper.
16
Thin-Walled Structures 152 (2020) 106644
CRediT authorship contribution statement
Xiao-Gang Liu: Data curation, Formal analysis, Methodology,
Writing - original draft. Jian-Sheng Fan: Supervision, Methodology,
Project administration, Funding acquisition. Yu-Fei Liu: Writing - re­
view & editing. Ming-Zhao Zheng: Writing - review & editing. Jian-
Guo Nie: Supervision, Funding acquisition.
Acknowledgements
The authors gratefully appreciate the financial support provided by
the National Key Research Program of China (2017YFC0703804), the
National Natural Science Foundation of China (51708566, 51890903),
and the National Research Center for Steel Construction Foundation
(YZB2017KY03, YZB2018KY03).
Appendix A. Supplementary data
Supplementary data related to this article can be found at htt
ps://doi.org/10.1016/j.tws.2020.106644.
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