Self-centering connections for traffic sign supporting structures.

PDFTech ReportALDOT Project 930-865RSteel structuresTraffic signsStructural connectionSign supportsDeformationWindDesignComputer modelsAlabamaAlabama. Dept. of TransportationLin, Ying-ChengVahid, S.University of Alabama in HuntsvilleUS Transportation CollectionSteel structures supporting traffic sign panels are designed as intended to dissipate energy byyielding structural members during severe wind loading (ex. strong hurricanes). Yielding resultsin inelastic deformations, which are permanent damage to structural members. Structures withpermanent deformations present the out-of-plumb appearance. Damage might be repairable;however, deconstruction and replacement of an off-centered structure with a new structure isusually more economical. If a new design approach that controls damage and avoids replacementcan be developed, the direct and indirect costs of post-extreme-wind repair for traffic signsupporting structures can be saved enormously.At present, the design approach mitigating damage for traffic sign supporting structures underextreme wind loads are undeveloped. This research conducts an exploratory study on the newdesign method of \u201cself-centering connections,\u201d termed \u201cSC connections.\u201d The scopes of thisresearch project are: (1) design equations and criteria development; and (2) validation throughnumerical analyses