Incomplete Similarity Error Analysis Method of Steel Frame Structure Based on Correlation

Abstract

In most scale model tests of steel frame structures, researchers have usually paid more attention to the outcome of one single experiment rather than to the similitude error between the scale model and the prototype. As a result, only the experimental data of the scale model are obtained rather than the relationship between the scale model and the prototype, which greatly limits scale model tests in the investigation and is also a significant waste of resources. In addition, the effect of the geometric incomplete similarity in steel joints and its contribution to similitude error of the entire frame has rarely been evaluated in the past. This paper is based on similarity theory, investigating the effect of three incomplete geometric similarity factors on the similitude error between a scale model and a prototype, which are the geometric similarity of steel components, the stiffness of steel joints and the stiffness of the column base. Global sensitivity is found by calculation. Furthermore, this paper presents the correlation of the three factors mentioned based on structural sensitivity analysis by use of BP (Back Propagation) algorithm. A method to investigate the similitude error between the scale model and prototype is proposed that can correct similitude errors in the experimental results.