Advancing the use of hollow structural sections in seismic frames

Arthur F. Thurnau Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Since the 1994 Northridge earthquake in the United States and the 1995 Hyogoken-Nanbu earthquake in Japan, significant research has investigated the performance and design of steel moment frames. This research has largely focused on steel moment-frame systems with wide-flange members. However, other types of members, such as square and rectangular hollow structural sections (HSS), have the potential to further improve the performance of these systems through their excellent axial, bending, and torsional properties; their high strength-to-weight ratio; and their architecturally pleasing closed shape.

To consider more prevalent use of square and rectangular HSS in seismic moment frames, more rational seismic compactness limits are required, particularly considering first-story column behavior under combined axial and bending loads. A detailed element study is conducted to understand the behavior of first-story square and rectangular HSS columns, leading to critical story drift values that can be used to define rationally highly and moderately ductile seismic compactness limits. 

Along with the first story columns, connections that can meet the requirements of intermediate and seismic moment frames utilizing rectangular and square HSS members are needed. Connections through plates, external diaphragm plates, and collar connections are explored through experimental and numerical studies. 

Jason P. McCormick, PhD, PE, is an Arthur F. Thurnau Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) at the University of Michigan, where he has been a faculty member since 2008. He serves as the Associate Chair for Undergraduate Programs for CEE and is the College of Engineering Honors Program Faculty Advisor. 

Dr. McCormick's primary research interests are in community resilience, extreme load mitigation, structural response reduction through innovative passive control systems, and the performance of steel structures under seismic loads, with a specific focus on steel systems utilizing closed sections. He is a member of committees within AISC, AWS, and ASCE, and has received several awards, including the NSF Career Award, AISC Early Career Faculty Award, and multiple University awards for excellence in teaching.