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Introduction
Joint connections exist widely in many large-scale complex structures. Static and dynamic responses of these structures are significantly affected by the joints due to their complicated and nonlinear properties. Traditional linear model and straight-forward joint coupling will no longer be applicable to this system. Therefore, in order to achieve a more precise expression of the structural behavior, it is essential to consider these additional joint effects and find a more proper method to model and update the joints.
Driven by the advances in sensor technology and computational power, modeling and updating the nonlinear behavior of joints has undergone a dramatic development in recent decades. Multiple issues have been published in this regard. For instance, special attention was given to the modeling of welded joints by Ahmadian et al.[1] Mackerle[2] presented a detailed review on various types of joints for finite element analysis from both theoretical and practical points of view. Ahmadian et al.[3] modeled the joint with a thin-layer interface element and updated the model via a sensitivity method in the AWE-MACE system. Dias et al.[4] presented a three-dimensional (3D) nonlinear model to study the structural behavior of timber-concrete joints. Using special contact elements, such as thin-layer and zero thickness elements, Mayer and Gaul[5] proposed an effective method to simulate the contact interfaces of joint connections. Bograd et al.[6] presented a comprehensive review of various methods for dynamic model establishment of structural joints in assembled structures. It generally includes the contents about joint features, types of joint connection, and brief simulation models of joint for the assembled structures.
Many researchers have also investigated the nonlinear behavior of joints. For example, Gaul and Lenz[7] investigated the joint effects on the nonlinear dynamic behavior through both experimental and numerical studies. In that study, they proposed an improved lumped parameter model and identified the parameter with experimental research. Girão Coelho et al.[8] described an appropriate finite element model to characterize the complex performance of the bolted connections. The joint interface is simulated by node-to-node contact elements. Schwingshackl et al.[9] further studied the modeling approach of the bolted flange joints. To correctly characterize the nonlinear dynamic behavior, they developed an advanced modeling technique which brought on an excellent...