Session4 Seismic

EFFECT OF COLUMN STIFFENER DETAILING AND WELD
FRACTURE TOUGHNESS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF WELDED

MOMENT CONNECTIONS
R.J. Dexter, University of Minnesota, United States of America
J.F. Hajjar, University of Minnesota, United States of America
D. Lee, Research Institute of Industrial Science & Technology, South Korea
ABSTRACT
Full-scale cyclically loaded cruciform experiments with weak panel zones and
welded unreinforced flange-welded web (WUF-W) prequalified moment
connections performed well provided that the weld metal has minimum Charpy
V-Notch (CVN) toughness. Welds with low CVN and brittle fracture was
obtained in one specimen despite using weld metal certified to meet minimum
CVN requirements. Unstiffened columns perform well and alternative stiffening
details all performed well, indicating that variations in column stiffening details
did not affect the potential for fracture or low-cycle fatigue. Low-cycle fatigue
performance is compared to strain range-cycles curves extrapolated from highcycle S-N curves.
INTRODUCTION
Following the Northridge earthquake of January 17, 1994, extensive damage to steel
moment connections was reported (1-3). This damage most often consisted of brittle
fractures of the bottom girder flange-to-column flange Complete Joint Penetration (CJP)
groove welds. The fractures were caused by the use of low toughness welds combined with
a number of other connection detailing and construction practices that were typical prior to
the earthquake (3-5). Additionally, column stiffening practices have been cited as a possible
contributor to the fractures, largely as a result of observations that many of the connections
fractured during the Northridge earthquake lacked continuity plates and that some had weak
panel zones (6). Finite element analyses (7-10) also have shown an increase in stress and
strain concentrations in the girder flange-to-column flange CJP welds associated with
excessively weak panel zones or insufficient continuity plates. It is presumed that these
stress and strain concentrations increase the potential for fracture. As a result of these
observations, there has subsequently been a tendency to be more conservative than
necessary in designing and detailing of the continuity plates and doubler plates in steel
moment connections.
Recommendations for the seismic design of new steel moment-frame buildings (3) provide
equations for determining whether continuity plates are required, and indicate that any
required continuity plates must be of equal thickness to the girder flange for interior
connections (thinner continuity plates are permitted for exterior connections), unless
connection qualification testing demonstrates that the continuity plates are not required.
Furthermore, the connection of the continuity plates to the column flanges must be made
with CJP welds, and reinforcing fillet welds should be placed under the backing bars.
Design criteria for the limit states related to column stiffening are presented in the AISC
Connections in Steel Structures V - Amsterdam - June 3-4, 2004
177
LRFD Specification (11). The limit states of primary importance for stiffening of connections
include Local Flange Bending (LFB), Local Web Yielding (LWY), and Panel Zone yielding
(PZ). Additional provisions for seismic design of doubler plates and continuity plates were
included in the AISC Seismic Provisions (12). However, AISC (13) removed all continuity
plate design procedures for Intermediate and Special Moment Frames, requiring instead that
they be proportioned based on connection qualification tests.
The tendency towards being more conservative than necessary in column stiffener design
has raised concerns about economy as well as the potential for cracking of the k-area in the
column web near the web-flange junction during fabrication due to high residual stresses
caused by highly restrained CJP welds on the continuity plates or doubler plates (14,15).
Therefore, a combined experimental and computational research study was conducted at the
University of Minnesota to reassess the recent column stiffener design and detailing
provisions and recommendations, and to provide economical alternative stiffener details that
minimize welding along the column k-line while retaining superior performance for nonseismic and seismic design (16). This paper examines the effect of variations in column
stiffening, including no stiffening as well as more economnical alternative stiffening details,
on the fracture and low-cycle fatigue performance of Welded Unreinforced Flange-Welded
Web (WUF-W) moment connections (3).
The design and results of these tests are reported elsewhere, including an assessment of
LFB and LWY limit states (17) and the cyclic panel zone behavior and design (18). Related
research included nine pull-plate experiments (19-22) that investigated the limit states of LFB
and LWY, primarily for non-seismic design, and further tested the alternative doubler plate
and continuity plate stiffener details. Finite element analyses of all experimental specimens
were also conducted as part of this research as well as parametric studies to extend the
results to member sizes and details not tested (23).
FULL-SCALE CONNECTION TESTS
Six full-scale, girder-to-column cruciform specimens were tested (Table 1). The SAC (24)
loading history was applied including six cycles at each interstory drift level of 0.375%, 0.5%,
and 0.75%, four cycles at 1.0% interstory drift level, and two cycles at each interstory drift
level of 1.5%, 2.0%, 3.0%, and 4.0%.
ASTM A992 wide-flange sections and A572 Grade 50 plate was used. The specimens used
the pre-qualified (3) WUF-W connection detail (Figure 1). The column stiffening was varied
in these specimens including three alternative doubler plate details (i.e., back-beveled filletwelded doubler plate, square-cut fillet-welded doubler plate, and groove-welded box doubler
plate; see Figure 2) and a fillet-welded in. thick fillet-welded continuity plate detail.
Table 2 presents the design strength-to-demand ratios using minimum specified material
properties for the LFB and LWY limit states. Note that the design strength for LFB and LWY
is the design strength of the column shape alone and does not include the column
reinforcement, if any. The demand is calculated with various methods:
178
Yield strength of the girder flange,

A value of 1.8 times the yield strength of the flange as in the 1992 AISC Seismic
Provisions (12)
Equation included in AISC Design Guide No. 13 (25) which amplifies the plastic
moment due to shear and reduces this moment to a force couple of the flanges. This
equation, or slightly modified forms of it, has been widely used for the design of
column stiffeners in steel moment connections (3).

Table 2 shows that 1992 AISC Seismic Provisions (12) and AISC Design Guide No. 13 (25)
provide similar demand values. For these cases, the demand exceeds the capacity for LFB
for all specimens except CR1, whereas only specimen CR3 has continuity plates (although
the box detail functions as a continuity plate as well as a doubler). The remaining specimens
CR2 and CR5 are underdesigned for LFB for seismic demand.
Table 1. Test matrix of cruciform specimens.
CR1
CR2
CR3
CR4
and CR4R
CR5
Girder
W24x94
W24x94
W24x94
W24x94
W24x94
Column
W14x283
W14x193
W14x176
W14x176
W14x145
Doubler Plate
(DP)
None
Detail II
Detail II
Detail III
Box (Offset)
Detail I
DP Thickness
NA
0.625 in.
2 @ 0.5 in.
2 @ 0.75 in.
2 @ 0.625 in.
Continuity
Plate (CP)
None
None
Filletwelded
None
None
CP Thickness
NA
NA
0.5 in.
NA
NA
Figure 1. Typical welding details used for cruciform specimens (Specimen CR1).
However, the girder flange demand predicted by the latter two methods is very conservative
and can be put in perspective by comparing to the maximum possible uniaxial tensile
strength of A992 steel. The stress in the flange is 1.8 times 50 ksi or 90 ksi, well above the
likely tensile strength of A992 steel. For example, a survey of more than 20,000 mill reports
from (26,27) showed that A992 steel has a mean tensile strength of 73 ksi. The 97.5
percentile tensile strength was 80 ksi, and the maximum value reported was 88 ksi.
Also shown in Table 2 are the panel zone capacity-to-demand ratios (including the strength
of the doubler plate in the capacity) and column-girder moment ratios calculated from the
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2002 AISC Seismic Provisions (28), assuming no axial compression in the column. The
panel zone demand exceeds the capacity for all specimens. Therefore, if column stiffening
were necessary to prevent premature brittle fracture or low-cycle fatigue, these specimens
are a worst-case test since they are underdesigned.
Figure 2. Doubler details: (a) back-beveled fillet-welded doubler (Detail I), (b) square-cut
fillet-welded doubler (Detail II), (c) box (offset) doubler (Detail III).
Table 2. Nominal capacity/demand ratios of PZ yielding, LFB, and LWY limit states.
M *pc
M *pb
(AISC)
PZ
vRv/Ru
(AISC)
Yield
1.8Yield a
1992
Seismic
3.04
1.69
(3.38)b
(1.88)
1.47
0.82
CR2
0.99
0.66
(1.63)
(0.91)
1.22
0.68
CR3
0.89
0.74
(1.36)
(0.76)
1.22
0.68
CR4
0.89
0.93
(1.36)
(0.76)
CR4R
0.84
0.47
CR5
0.73
0.74
(0.93)
(0.52)
a
Equation used to calculate demand, Ru
b
Values in parentheses reflect use of = 1.0
CR1
1.50
0.72
LWY Rn/Ru
LFB Rn/Ru
DG13
1.64
(1.82)
0.80
(0.89)
0.66
(0.73)
0.66
(0.73)
0.46
(0.51)
1.8Yield a
1992
Seismic
DG13 a
2.38
1.32
1.29
2.20
1.22
1.19
2.51
1.39
1.36
3.19
1.77
1.73
2.34
1.30
1.27
Yield
Weld details
E70T-1 (Lincoln Outershield 70) wire with 100% CO2 shielding gas was used for all shop
welding. The girder flange-to-column flange CJP groove welds were made in the flat position
with E70T-6 (Lincoln Innershield NR-305) wire. Welds made with E70T-6 wire are required
by AWS A5.20 (29) and AISC 2002 Seismic Specifications (28) to have notch toughness of
20 ft-lbs at -20F. FEMA 350 (3) has recommended minimum notch toughness requirements
at two temperatures, 20 ft-lbs at 0F and 40 ft-lbs at 70F. According to the Lincoln Electric
Company product family literature, the typical values for NR-305 are 21 to 35 ft-lbs at -20F
and 21 to 54 ft-lbs at 0F. As shown in Table 3, Specimens CR1 and CR4 were fabricated
with a 5/64 in. diameter NR-305 wire and the remaining were fabricated with 3/32 in.
diameter NR-305 wire. All CJP welds were ultrasonically tested by a certified inspector in
conformance with Table 6.3 of AWS D1.1-2000 (30) for cyclically loaded joints.
The out-of-position field welds, including the CJP welds connecting the girder web to the
column flange and all reinforcing fillet welds were made with 0.068 in. diameter E71T-8
(Lincoln Innershield NR-203MP) wire for Specimens CR1 and CR4, and 5/64 in. diameter
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E71T-8 (Lincoln Innershield NR-232) wire for the other specimens.

The shear tab was designed to extend approximately 0.25 in. into the top and bottom access
holes and acted as the backing bar for the CJP welds of the girder web to the column flange.
This extension acted as a short runoff tab, allowing the weld to extend the full depth of the
girder web. Ricles et al. (31) recommended that these runoff tabs of the vertical web weld be
ground smooth, which is labor intensive. Since it was felt that this might not be necessary,
these runoff tabs were not ground smooth in the specimens tested in this work.
Table 3. Tested weld material properties (E70T-6 only).
E70T-6a
E70T-6
5/64 in. wire
3/32 in. wire
CR4a
CR2
CR3
CR4R
CR5
CR1a
CVN @ 0F
2.6
2.0
34.3
44.3
33.0
33.0
(ft-lbs)
CVN @ 70F
19.3
2.3
54.3
73.3
58.7
53.7
(ft-lbs)
Fy (ksi)
NA
NA
59.5
50.0
56.0
53.5
Fu (ksi)
NA
NA
79.5
72.5
78.2
75.5
% Elongation
NA
NA
25.0
23.0
27.5
26.0
a
For Specimens CR1 and CR4, the CVN tests were performed on specimens machined after
the experiment from the welds that did not fracture in the cruciform joints
BRITTLE FRACTURE
Specimen CR4 exhibited premature brittle failure in three of four girder flange-to-column
flange CJP welds in the early stage of the SAC (1997) loading history and was stopped after
one-half cycle at 2.0% interstory drift. It was found that this specimen was unintentionally
prepared with low-toughness weld metal, as shown in Table 3. Note that the AWS
Certificate of Conformance for this wire indicated that the weld metal meets the minimum
toughness requirement of AWS A5.20 (28) of 20 ft-lbs at -20F (32).
Specimen CR4R was essentially a replicate test of Specimen CR4, except that the weld
metal used for Specimen CR4R met the minimum requirements of FEMA 350 (3). Specimen
CR4R not only performed acceptably according to the SAC (24) requirements, it performed
as well as any of the other specimens successfully tested in this experimental study. The
fact that the box (offset) doubler plate detail performed well in Specimen CR4R indicates that
the detail itself was probably not a factor in the fracture that occurred in Specimen CR4.
Following the premature brittle failure in Specimen CR4, it was found that the previously
tested Specimen CR1 also had relatively low weld-metal notch toughness, with an average
of 2.6 ft-lbs at 0F and 19.3 ft-lbs at 70F as presented in Table 3. Specimen CR1, which
was welded using the same wire and the similar welding procedure as Specimen CR4, but
had marginally better notch toughness, performed very well, experiencing 14 cycles of 4.0%
interstory drift before the significant strength degradation. It is important to note that this
Specimen CR1 had no doubler plates or continuity plates, even though doubler plates would
be required as shown in Table 2. Thus this test shows that column stiffeners are not
absolutely required to avoid brittle fractire or low-cycle fatigue, even with this very poor notch
toughness. These two tests have closely bracketed the minimum notch toughness required
for adequate performance of CJP welds.
It is believed that the FEMA 350 requirements (3) for minimum notch toughness are
181
adequate, provided they can be consistently met. FEMA 353 (4) requires toughness testing
on each production lot of the specified filler metal. However, lot testing is typically not done
since FEMA 353 also allows this requirement to be waived (upon approval of the Engineer),
instead relying upon the consumable manufacturers certification. However, the certification
is not necessarily reliable; for example, this 5/64-in. diameter E70T-6 wire that produced
these brittle welds had been certified by the manufacturer as meeting the minimum 20 ft-lbs
at -20F required by the AWS certification test (32). Therefore, further evaluation of the CVN
testing requirements for weld metal is warranted.
LOW-CYCLE FATIGUE
The remaining connections exhibited no brittle fractures, but low-cycle fatigue failures occurred
after significant cyclic loading. Figures 3 and 4 show low-cycle fatigue cracks forming at the
beam flange weld. These beam flange weld cracks were the only type of low-cycle fatigue
cracks that actually propagated to cause failure, which is defined here as significant strength
reduction. Low-cycle fatigue cracks did originate at the weld of the beam web to the column
flange and at the weld access hole, as shown in Figure 5. However after propagating for a short
distance they arrested and did not propagate further or lead to failure, so therefore they are not
structurally significant.
(a)
(b)
Figure 3. Low cycle fatigue crack developing at the toe of the beam flange weld in a momentframe connection after (a) 11 cycles and (b) 17 cycles of 4% drift.
Table 4 shows the cycles at 3% or 4% drift when the first crack was first visible in the CJP
welds, the final cycles at 4% drift when the strength was reduced, and the measured strain
ranges. The pairs of measured strain ranges for each specimen are from the west top flange
and the east bottom flange, respectively (except for CR1 where only the west top flange data
were avaialble). The average of five gages across the width was used to eliminate some of
the scatter and the effect of strain gradients. It is believed that the variation in the measured
strain ranges is random, and that the strain range at 4% drift was relatively consistent among
the specimens, averaging approximately 4.1%.
The performance requirement is that the connections must complete 2 cycles at 4% drift without
a significant reduction in strength in order to be prequalified connections (3). One could
conclude that all these connections (except the original CR4, which experienced brittle fracture)
met this performance requirement and that therefore the performances of the specimens are
equally good. However, there may be some significance to the final number of cycles before
182
strength reduction. In particular, it is believed that the differences in number of cycles to strength
reduction between 12 and 16 are due to random variability, and that therefore specimens CR1,
CR2, CR3, and CR4R performed equally well. This means that the variation in column stiffener
detailing and panel zone strength among these specimens had no significant influence on the
low-cycle fatigue performance. For specimen CR5, the number of cycles before strength
reduction is 6. As shown in Table 2, this specimen had the lowest ratio of capacity to demand
for LFB less than one even for non-seismic (nominal yield strength of flange) and less than 0.5
for either seismic demand. It is likely that the relatively smaller number of cycles in this underdesigned specimen is due to lack of continuity plates.
LCF Crack
Column Column
Web Flange
Slag Inclusion,
LOF
Figure 4. Cross section of beam flange weld showing low cycle fatigue crack
developing at the weld toe.
Figure 5. Low cycle fatigue cracks forming at the end of the beam web to column flange
weld and at the weld access hole.
Table 4. Low-cycle fatigue data.
Specimen
Column
Doubler Plate
Continuity Plate
Cycles when Crack
Visible
Cycles at 4% when
Strength Reduced
Strain Range in
Girder Flange at
4% Drift
CR1
W14x283
None
None
CR2
W14x193
Detail II
None
CR3
W14x176
Detail II
Fillet welded
CR4R
W14x176
Box
None (box)
CR5
W14x145
Detail I
None
11@4%
2@3%
2@3%
2@4%
1@3%
14
16
14
12
4.2%
4.5%, 3.7%
3.8%, 4.5%
3.8%, 3.8%
3.7%, 4.8%
183
As noted above, specimen CR1 had much lower notch toughness than the others.
Therefore, it appears that, as long as the notch toughness is sufficient to preclude brittle
fracture, notch toughness above this minimum level also has little influence on low-cycle
fatigue performance. Finally, for Specimens CR1 through CR4, there is little correlation
betweeen the cycles when the crack was first detected in the CJP welds, which was highly
variable, and the final number of cycles when strength was reduced. Therefore, it is believed
that the number of cycles at which the crack is first detected is not significant.
Most past research on low-cycle fatigue has involved pressure vessels and some other types
of mechanical engineering structures. Since low-cycle fatigue is an inelastic phenomenon,
the strain range is the key parameter rather than the stress range as in high-cycle fatigue.
The Coffin-Manson rule (33) has been used to relate the strain range in smooth tensile
specimens to the fatigue life. Manson suggested a conservative lower-bound simplification,
called Mansons universal slopes equation (34):
= 3.5
u
E
N 0.12 + 0f .6 N 0.6
(1)
where: is the total strain range, u is the tensile strength, and f is the elongation at fracture.
Note that the first term in Equation 1 is the elastic part of the total strain range (which is relatively
insignificant when there are fewer than 100 cycles) and the second term is the plastic part of the
total strain range. Figure 6 shows a plot of Mansons universal slopes equation where u is 450
MPa and f is 25%, typical minimum properties for Grade 50 structural steel. Many studies have
shown that Mansons universal slopes equation is conservative compared to experimental data
from smooth specimens (34,35). However, because of buckling at greater strain ranges, most of
the experimental data are for strain ranges less than 1%, i.e., for cycles greater than 1000.
Limited data exist at higher strain ranges some are shown in Figure 6 for A36 steel smooth
specimens machined from the flanges of wide-flange sections (35).
At this time, very little is understood about low-cycle fatigue in welded or bolted structural details.
For example, it is a very difficult task to predict accurately the local strain range at a location of
cyclic local flange buckling. However, Krawinkler and Zohrei (36) and Ballio and Castiglioni
(37,38) showed that the number of cycles to failure by low-cycle fatigue of welded connections
could be predicted by the local strain range in a power law that is analogous to an S-N curve.
Ballio and Castiglioni (37,38) showed that the power law would have and exponent of 3, just like
the elastic S-N curves. Krawinkler and Zohrei (36) also showed that Miners rule (39) could be
used to predict the number of variable-amplitude cycles to failure based on constant amplitude
test data.
Therefore, it may be possible to predict and design against low-cycle fatigue using strain-range
vs. number-of-cycles curves that are extrapolated from the high-cycle fatigue design S-N curves.
Figure 6 shows the AISC S-N curves (11) for Categories A and C, converted from stress range
to strain range by dividing the stress ranges by the elastic modulus, and extrapolated up to one
cycle.
There are only limited data to support this approach. Figure 6 shows the strain range-number of
cycles data from these WUF-W beam-to-column connection tests. The number of cycles plotted
in Figure 6 is the number of cycles at 4% drift. If the effect of all the previous cycles is included
using Miners rule (39), they add up to an equivalent of about one additional cycle at 4%. Since
flange strains right at the weld toe were used rather than nominal values, this is analogous to a
hot-spot approach for high-cycle fatigue. For high-cycle fatigue, the Category C S-N curve is a
suitable baseline S-N curve for the hot-spot approach (40,41). It appears that the Category C SN curve is also a good lower bound to these low-cycle fatigue data. The scatter in the data is
substantial, as is also true in high-cycle fatigue.
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Also shown in Figure 6 are previously unpublished data for smaller coupon-type specimens with
transverse butt welds, which would be expected to be Category C details. These are some of
the only available data with fewer than 5,000 cycles. These coupon data are also in reasonable
agreement with the extrapolated Category C curve as a lower bound.
100
welded coupon
smooth specimen
WUF-W connection tests
Strain Range [%]
Manson's Equation
Category A
10
Category C
0.1
1
10
100
Cycles
1000
10000
Figure 6. Comparison of standard S-N curves presented in terms of strain range and Mansons
universal slopes equation for Grade 50 (350 MPa yield strength) steel to low-cycle fatigue test
data and the connection test data.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
1. When properly detailed and welded with notch-tough filler metal, the WUF-W steel
moment connections can perform adequately even though relatively weak panel zones and
low local flange bending strengths were chosen.
2. The failure mode of the specimens other than the original CR4 was low-cycle fatigue
(LCF) crack growth and eventual rupture of one or more girder flange-to-column flange
complete joint penetration (CJP) groove welds. Low cycle fatigue may be conservatively
predicted using strain-range vs. cycles curves derived from the stress based S-N curves for
high-cycle fatigue.
3. Specimens CR1 and CR4 were unintentionally prepared with weld metal that had CVN
values that were much lower than the minimum requirements. The premature brittle failure of
specimen CR4 reconfirmed that achieving the required minimum CVN toughness in the
girder flange-to-column flange CJP welds is critical. These low toughness welds occurred
despite the certification of the filler metal; the certification is only required annually, unlike the
way that each heat of steel is tested. A study should be conducted to fully characterize the
typical variability in the CVN and other properties of the weld. An evaluation of the need for
lot testing should be performed. Consideration should also be given to use of filler metals
with a distribution of CVN such that there is a sufficiently small probability of not meeting the
minimum required values, and therefore lot testing may not be required.
4. Application of the alternative column stiffener details (i.e., back-beveled fillet-welded
doubler plate detail; square-cut fillet-welded doubler plate detail; groove-welded box doubler
plate detail; fillet-welded 1/2 in. thick continuity plates) in the WUF-W steel moment
connections was successfully verified. No cracks or distortions were observed in the welds
connecting these stiffeners before the rupturing of the girder flange-to-column flange CJP
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welds.
5. Specimens CR1, CR2, CR4R, and CR5, none of which had continuity plates (although
Specimen CR4R included the offset doubler plate detail), met the requirements for two
cycles at 4.0% interstory drift, athough only Specimen CR1 met the seismic requirements of
AISC and FEMA with respect to continuity plates. Continuity plates may thus not be
necessary in many interior columns in steel moment connections, and design provisions
permitting the design, or lack of inclusion, of continuity plates are recommended for
reintroduction into the AISC Seismic Provisions.
6. For a wide range of column sections and doubler plate detailing, strain gradients and
strain magnitudes well above the yield strain in the girder flanges did not prohibit the
specimens from achieving the connection prequalification requirement of completing two
cycles at 4.0% interstory drift without significant strength degradation. This was even the
case for specimen CR1, which had notch toughness in the weld metal that was significantly
below the requirements. These results indicate that the column reinforcement detailing may
not have a significant effect on the potential for brittle fracture at the girder flange-to-column
flange weld. Note that this is contrary to previous finite-element analyses reported in the
literature using theoretical fracture criteria that have predicted a significant effect of using or
omitting continuity plates.
7. If continuity plates are required, fillet-welded continuity plates that were approximately
half of the girder flange thickness performed well. The results showed that only minor local
yielding occurred in these continuity plates in part of the most stressed cross sections at
peak drift level and that these strains were not sufficient to cause cracking or distortion in the
continuity plate or to change the strain gradients in the girder flange substantially. Since
continuity plates do not significantly yield, it may not be necessary to size the welds large
enough to develop the continuity plate. Rather the weld and the plate may only need to be
designed for the difference between the demand and the capacity of the column shape
without the continuity plate. Continuity plates with undersized fillet welds should be tested to
confirm that the weld need not develop the full continuity plate strength.
8. In all the tests except the original CR4, the seismic performance of the relatively weak
panel zones was stable and ductile, and the panel zones exhibited good energy dissipation.
Lee et al. (17-23) provide recommended changes to the AISC panel zone strength
equations, as well as detailed evaluations of current AISC provisions for local flange bending,
local web yielding, and panel zone shear.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This research was sponsored by the American Institute of Steel Construction, Inc. and by the
University of Minnesota. In-kind funding and materials were provided by LeJeune Steel
Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Dannys Construction Company, Minneapolis,
Minnesota; Braun Intertec, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Nucor-Yamato Steel Company,
Blytheville, Arkansas; Lincoln Electric Company, Cleveland, Ohio; and Edison Welding
Institute, Cleveland, Ohio. Supercomputing resources were provided by the Minnesota
Supercomputing Institute. The authors wish to thank T. V. Galambos and P. M. Bergson,
University of Minnesota, L. A. Kloiber, LeJeune Steel Company, and the members of the
technical advisory group on this project for their valuable assistance.
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189
190
ANALYSIS OF BOLTED END-PLATE JOINTS: CYCLIC TEST AND

STANDARD APPROACH
L. Dunai, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Hungary
N. Kovcs, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Hungary
L. Calado, Instituto Superior Tecnico, Lisbon, Portugal
ABSTRACT
Experimental program is performed on bolted end-plate type joints of 19 steel
and steel-concrete composite specimens under cyclic loading. The test
specimens are designed to study and characterise the typical cyclic behaviour
modes of this type of joints. The paper summarises the details of the
experimental program, the cyclic joint behaviour and the cyclic characteristics.
The joint design characteristics (moment resistance and initial stiffness) are
determined by the Eurocode standard and compared to the experimental joint
parameters. After the verification of the standard procedure a parametric study
is completed to study the influence of the structural details on the design
parameters.
INTRODUCTION
The paper presents an experimental and Eurocode standard based analyses of end-plate
type joints. The experimental program is performed in a co-operation project between the
Budapest University of Technology and Economics and the Instituto Superior Tecnico in
Lisbon. The subject of this experimental program is to test bolted end-plate type steel and
composite joints (19 specimens) under cyclic reversal loading. The experimental program is
published in (1), in this paper only the short summary of the specimen characteristics, the
test set-up and procedure and the behaviour modes are presented.
The aim of the research is to observe the typical cyclic behaviour modes of the studied
connection type, characterize it quantitatively and find structural solution for the improved
cyclic behaviour. On the basis of the experimental results a calculation method is under
development for the determination of the monotonic and cyclic design parameters of the
joints. In the first phase of it Eurocode 3 and 4 based numerical study is performed on the
monotonic joint characteristics (the moment resistance and the initial stiffness). The paper
presents the standard procedure with the comparison of the design values and the
experimental results. Since cyclic tests are performed the envelope curve of the hysteretic
momentrotation diagram is applied to characterize the monotonic behaviour. The
experimentally verified Eurocode procedure is to be extended to describe cyclic behaviour.
The developed, Eurocode based, calculation method is also presented in the paper with the
comparison of the experimental results.
After the verification of the proposed method a parametric study is performed to study the
influence of structural details on the design moment resistance and initial stiffness. In the
further step of the research the cyclic characteristics (degradation characteristics, absorbed
energy, ductility, etc.) of the joint will be evaluated to gain the improved structural solution for
cyclic behaviour of this type of joints.
191
TESTING PROGRAM
The test programs are performed on end-plate type bolted joints with different parameters of
each specimen. In case of the first test program the aim is to have information about the
cyclic behaviour modes of the joint (2). During the second experimental program the main
parameters of the specimens are identical with those of the first case; the only difference is
the composite member section (3). In case of the third program the focus is on the cyclic
local buckling of the slender composite section (4).
Specimens, test arrangement

Altogether three test sets are performed on end-plate type joints. In case of the first test set
the specimens are designed with H-shaped steel element (hot-rolled or welded) as it is
illustrated in figure 1 a). In the second and third test set composite member steel section
with concrete filling and reinforcement between the flanges is applied as figure 1 b) shows.
Table 1 contains the main characteristics of each specimen.
a) Steel joints
b) Composite joint
Figure 1. Specimens cross-section.
Table1. Details of the specimen
Test
CB1
CB2
CB3
CB5
Steel member
EndMember plate
[mm]
HEA-200
25
HEA-200
16
weld. (6mm) 25
HEA-200
12
Bolt
M16
8.8
8.8
8.8
8.8
Composite member I.
EndBolt
Test
Member plate
M16
[mm]
CCB1 HEA-200
25 8.8
CCB2 HEA-200
16 10.9
CCB3 weld. (6mm) 25 8.8
CCB4 HEA-200
19 8.8
Composite member II.

EndBolt
Test
Member
plate
M24
[mm]
CCF1 weld. (6mm)
30 10.9
CCF2 weld. (6mm)
20 10.9
CCF3 weld. (4mm)
20 10.9
CCF4 weld. (4mm)
20 4.8
The test setup is developed at the Instituto Superior Tecnico to test beam-to-column joints of
steel frames in cantilever type arrangement (1), as it can be seen in figure 2. The loading
history is defined in accordance with the ECCS Recommendations (5). It is decided to use
the same loading history in all test cases to be able to compare the results of similar
specimens. Inductive displacement transducers are used to measure the displacements
during the testing procedure.
Figure 2. Test arrangement.
192
Experimental results
On the basis of the measured data the cyclic moment-rotation curves are determined. The
calculation of the moment-rotation diagrams are performed in the so-called joint reference
section. In this way the disturbing effect of the local buckling of the flanges is eliminated. The
moment-rotation diagrams illustrate the various hysteretic behaviours and characterise
qualitatively the joints by reflecting the tendencies of the rotational stiffness, the moment
carrying capacity, the rotational capacity and the absorbed energy. The behaviour modes are
detailed in (1) and summarised as the follows.
moment [kNm]
Pure bolt-failure:
The pure bolt-failure occurred when the end-plate is thick enough to resist the failure without
significant deformation (CCB1 and CCB3). The governing phenomenon is the plastic
deformation and bolt fracture after pinching of the bolt shanks. The most representative
phenomenon is the rigid-body type rotation of the specimen, which is caused by the plastic
elongation of the bolt shanks and appears as large deformations on near-zero moment level
as it is shown in figure 3 a). This type of joint has small deformation and moment carrying
capacity limited by the ductility and grade of the bolts. While the bolts govern the behaviour
of the specimen the concrete filling has no significant effect on the cyclic behaviour since the
load carrying and deformation capacities are limited by the characteristics of the bolts. The
specimen after failure is presented in figure 3 b).
60 rigid-body
40 type rotation
20
0
-20
-40
-60
-50 -40 -30 -20 -10 0
10 20 30 40 50
rotation [mrad]
a) M- diagram
b) Specimen after failure

Figure 3. Bolt-failure.
Pure plate-failure:
The pure plate-failure type behaviour mode occurs when the end-plate is thin comparing to
the other elements (CCB2). The governing phenomenon is the elastic/plastic deformation
and plastic hinge of the end-plate. In the followings subsequent cycles cracks occurred and
propagated in the plate near to the welding of the flanges, which caused resistance
degradation. Plastic deformation of the bolts is not significant. Figure 4 a) shows the
representative moment-rotation diagram of the pure plate-failure. The deformation capacity
of this joint is reached higher value than in case of the bolt-failure. The absorbed energy is
also higher. The crack of the end-plate is shown in figure 4 b).
moment [kNm]
60
40
20
0
-20
-40
-60
-60
-45
-30
-15
15
rotation[mrad]
a) M- diagram
30
45
60

Figure 4. Plate-failure.
193
Combined plate+bolt-failure:
Combined behaviour of the connecting elements is developed when both the end-plate and
the bolts have significant plastic deformation (CCB4). The governing phenomenon is the
plastic flow in the end-plate and in the bolt shanks. The final failure is caused by the cracking
and breaking of the end-plate with remarkable plastic flow of the bolts. In figure 5 a) the
moment-rotation diagram of this combined-failure mode is presented. The moment-rotation
diagram has full hysteretic curves, which means large energy absorption of the joint. Small
rigid-body type rotation is observed due to the plastic elongation of the bolts and the bending
of the bolts heads (see figure 5 b). This type of behaviour is the most favourable from the
connecting elements type failure, since besides the significant moment carrying capacity the
joint has remarkable deformation capacity. This phenomenon can be explained by the fact
that due to the bolt elastic/plastic elongation effectively reduces the plate deformations,
consequently, prevents the early development of the end-plate cracks, and avoid the early
failure.
moment [kNm]
60
40
20
0
-20
-40
-60
-60 -45 -30 -15
15
rotation [mrad]
30
45
60
a) M- diagram
Figure 5. Combined plate+bolt-failure.
Plate buckling-failure:
In case of slender welded composite member the plate buckling-failure of the flanges is
observed (the sections belong to the Class 4 in Eurocode 3). The phenomenon of the local
plate buckling is the following: the elastic buckling of the compressed flanges is appeared in
early cycles. After this the phenomenon became plastic plate buckling and later plastic lines
are developed and the phenomenon turned into a yield mechanism. The final collapse
caused by the cracking and fracture of the tension flanges due to low cycle fatigue. The
buckling behaviour is the symmetric buckling of the flanges since the typical asymmetric
buckling pattern of the steel sections cannot be developed due to the supporting effect of the
concrete. The final failure is the cracking and fracture of the tension flange and also the
cracking of the web. The representative moment-rotation diagrams of these behaviour
modes are plotted in figure 6 a). The moment carrying and rotational capacity of these joints
are favourable and besides this small degradation of the absorbed energy is observed. The
significant resistance decreasing can be seen after the cracking of the flange and falling out
of the crushed concrete (figure 6 b).
moment [kNm]
75
50
25
0
-25
-50
-75
-100
-75
-50
-25
25
rotation [mrad]
50
75
100
a) M- diagram
Figure 6. Local plate buckling.
194
STANDARD APPROACH
As it is discussed before only monotonic behaviour is concerned in accordance of the
Eurocode 3, 1.8 (6) (hereinafter EC3). The EC3 defines the moment-rotation relationship of
the joint as figure 7 a) shows with the design moment resistance (MjRd), the rotational
capacity (cd) and initial rotational stiffness (Sjini). The standard procedure study monotonic
behaviour, but during the tests the specimens are imposed by cyclic loading. Since
monotonic test are not prepared the joints are described by the envelope curves that belong
to the cyclic moment-rotation diagrams (see figure 7 b).
50
moment [kNm]
S jini
M jRd
25
0
-25
-50
-60
xd
-40
cd
-20
0
20
rotation[mrad]
40
60
a) Standard M- diagram
b) Cyclic and envelope curves
Figure 7. Moment-rotation diagram.
Review of the EC3 design method

The EC3 gives the following formula to calculate the moment resistance:
M j,Rd = h r Ftr,Rd
(1)
In our case we have only one connecting member, which connected to a rigid support, so the
half of the joint is studied. For this reason the tension resistance of the bolt-row (Ftr,Rd) is
defined as the resistance of end-plate in bending (Ft,ep,Rd), which formulae depends on the
failure mode. The failure modes are clearly defined from experimental tests as previous
sections discuss (Plate-failure Mode1; Combined plate+bolt-failure Mode2; Bolt-failure
Mode3). The Eurocode 4, 1.1 (7) gives the moment resistance of the composite section, as it
is illustrated in figure 8.
Fc
fy
Fy
zy
Fs
z's
zs
xc
fs
zc
h1
dt
tf
fck
F's
F'y
M pl,Rd
z'y
tg
bp
Figure 8. Moment resistance of composite section.

The rotational stiffness of the joint is calculated from the following formula:
Sj = E
hr
ki
(2)
Two stiffness coefficients of EC3 are taken into account: end-plate in bending (k5) and bolts
in tension (k10).
195
Comparison of design and experimental results

The moment resistance and initial stiffness are calculated for each specimen for both positive
(Mj,Rd,exp1) and negative (Mj,Rd,exp2) hemicycles. The following notifications are drawn for the
calculation method:
- The yielding stress (fy) of the steel material is from material tests and it is increased by
10% to consider the hardening of the material.
- The experimentally determined rotational stiffness (Sj,ini,exp1 and Sj,ini,exp2) is evaluated from
the unloading part of the hysteretic curve, since initial part of the loading path is unsteady
caused by the uncertainties of the specimen and the test equipment.
The experimental and numerical moment resistances are shown in figure 9. In case of the
local buckling type failure the standard values reach 82-105% of the experimental moment
resistances, which are in good coincidence (see figure 9 a). When the failure is occurred in
the connecting elements (Mode1-Mode3) significant differences between the experimental
and the standard values (56-87%) are found, as figure 9 b) shows.
100
80
moment [kNm]
moment [kNm]
100
60
40
20
80
60
40
20
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
flange/web thickness [mm]
EC results
exp.results
10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30
end-plate thickness [mm]
exp.results
EC results
mod EC results
a) CCF Specimens
b) CCB Specimens
Figure 9. Moment resistances.
On the bases of the experimental results the modification of the design method is proposed
to apply the standard EC3 design procedure for cyclic behaviour: During cyclic loading the
bolts have residual plastic deformation/elongation. Due to this effect the lever arms are
modified as follows (see figure 10).
a) Mode1
hr3
F
hr2
hr1
b) Mode2
Figure 10. Consideration on the lever arms.
c) Mode3
Mode1: 'pure' plate-failure. No significant bolt elongation, but the bolt heads have
deformation; hr1 is the distance between two bolt rows (see figure 10 a).
Mode2: combined failure. Plastic bolt elongation and end-plate deformation occurred; hr2
lever arm is measured between the tensioned bolt row and the half distance of the
compressed bolt row and edge of the end-plate (see figure 10 b).
Mode3: 'pure' bolt-failure. The bolts have plastic elongation without significant deformation of
the end-plate; hr3 is the distance between the tensioned bolt row and the lower edge
of the end-plate.
196
70
70
60
60
S jini [kNm/mrad]
S jini [kNm/mrad]
As the initial stiffness is concerned the design and experimental results are presented in
figure 11 a) and b) in case of tests CCF and CCB, respectively. As the diagrams show the
EC3 procedure overestimates the initial stiffness of the joint. In case of the presented
experimental program, the overestimation is in a wide range (109-188%). This result could
be caused by the fact that the experimental results are from cyclic test, note, however that in
(8) similar results are found in case of monotonic tests, too.
50
40
30
20
50
40
30
20
10
10
10
20
30
EC results
exp. results
10
40
mod. EC results
20
30
exp. results
EC results
40
mod. EC results
a) CCF Specimens
b) CCB Specimens
Figure 11. Rotational stiffness.
In case of the presented experimental program, the initial stiffness Sjini depends on two
stiffness parameters (k5,k10). The modification of these parameters is as the follows:
k 5 = 0,9 l eff,1
k 10 = 1,1
t 4p
(3)
m 4x
As
Lb
(4)
The above modification of the stiffness coefficients gives better agreement of design and
experimental values in case of specimen CCB. But in case of specimens CCF with the
formulae (3) and (4) the stiffness is also overestimated. In this case the application of larger
M24 bolts increases extremely the initial stiffness also in case of the thin end-plates, where
the k5 coefficient should have influence. For this reason the reduction of the multiplication
factor of the k10 coefficient in accordance with the bolt diameter gives better coincidence with
the experimental and design values.
In figure 12 the envelope moment-rotation diagrams are shown with the results of the EC3
calculation and the developed modified design method. In case of CCF the initial stiffness is
overestimated as shown in figure 12 a). Good agreement is found in case of CCB1 as figure
12 b) shows.
100
100
75
75
moment [kNm]
EC3 results
25
mod. EC3 results
Envelop curve
-25
-50
moment [kNm]
50
50
25
-75
-100
-25
0
25
rotation [mrad]
50
Envelop curve
-50
-75
-50
mod. EC3 results
-25
-100
-75
EC3 results
75
-25 -20 -15 -10
-5 0
5 10
rotation [mrad]
15
20
25
a) CCF1
b) CCB1
Figure 12. Experimental and design values.
197
PARAMETRIC STUDIES
After the EC3 procedure is studied and modified, the evaluation of the monotonic joint
parameters (moment resistance and initial stiffness) is extended to apply them to
characterize cyclic joint behaviour. The original and modified standard procedures are used
to prepare parametric study with the following program:
In figure 13 the moment resistance is presented via the end-plate thickness and shows the
results of the standard EC3 procedure with the proposed modification. Figure 13 indicates
the region of the certain failure modes (Mode1, Mode2 and Mode3). Due to the modification
of the EC3 procedure the limits of the failure modes have a small alteration. The failure
modes of the modified EC3 procedure are always in accordance of the tests results.
moment [kNm]
100
Mode1
80
Mode3
Mode2
60
40
20
0
10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30
EC3 results
mod. EC3results
Figure 13. Moment resistance by EC3 and modified EC3 method.
100
60
80
50
moment [kNm]
moment [kNm]
The effect of the bolt grade and the steel material is shown in figure 14 a) and b),
respectively. Figure 14 a) shows the application of the higher bolt grade modifies the limits of
the failure modes by moving the curve right and up. This means that the failure occurred in
thicker end-plate on higher moment level. The application of altering bolt grades does not
change the shape and the tangent of the diagram. If we increase the grade of the steel
material the diagram is moved to left, the failure occurred in thinner plate, but approximately
on the same moment level as figure 14 b) shows.
60
40
20
40
30
20
10
0
0
10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30
M16 8.8
M16 10.9
M16 12.9
10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30
S235
S275
S355
a) Bolt grade effect

b) Steel material effect
Figure 14. Moment resistance vs. end-plate thickness.
In case of the composite section the studied structural details are the flange and the web
thicknesses as figure 15 shows. The application of higher grade of steel material causes
the increase of the tangent of the curve, which means that it has significant effect mainly in
case of larger flange thickness, as figure 15 a) shows. In case of the web the increasing of
the steel grade move the curve up without significant changing of the tangent, so it has
remarkable effect also in case of smaller web thickness (see figure 15 b).
198
150
250
125
moment [kNm]
moment [kNm]
300
200
150
100
50
100
75
50
25
0
0
0
6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
flange thickness [mm]
S235
S275
6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
web thickness [mm]
S235
S355
S275
S355
a) Effect of flange thickness

b) Effect of web thickness
Figure 15. Moment resistance vs. flange/web thickness.
Sjini [kNm/mrad]
50
100
Sjini [kNm/mrad]
The parametric study includes the investigation of the initial stiffness. Figure 16 a) shows the
effect of the modified k5 and k10 parameters. Coefficient k5 has the influence on the initial
stiffness in case of relatively thin end-plate and k10 in case of thicker plate region. If formula
(3) is used to calculate k5 it decreases the initial stiffness in case of relatively thin plates, but
it has no significant effect on thicker end-plates. Formula (4) of k10 coefficient decreases the
curve initial tangent and move down the original curve. For these reasons the modification of
both coefficients is required to have better agreement between the experimental and design
values.
75
40
30
20
10
0
10
15
20 25 30 35 40 45
EC3 results
mod. k10
50
mod. k5
mod. EC3 results
M30
M27
M24
M22
50
M20
M16
25
M12
0
10
15
M10
M8
20 25 30 35 40 45
50
a) Effect of stiffness coefficients

b) Effect of bolt diameter
Figure 16. Initial stiffness vs. end-plate thickness.
The effect of the bolt diameter is presented in figure 16 b). In case of the studied joint the
larger bolt diameters (over M16) have significant effect on the initial stiffness, since it
remarkable increases the stiffness. When the bolt diameter is relatively small the behaviour
in governed by the end-plate.
SUMMARY
The paper presents the comparison of the design and the tested characteristics of bolted
end-plate type joint. The performed test program and the behaviour modes are summarized.
The design methods of Eurocode 3 and 4 are followed to evaluate the moment resistance
and initial stiffness of the end-plate type joint and the composite section. The EC3 gives
method to evaluate monotonic joint behaviour. Since the performed tests are cyclic tests the
envelope curves of the hysteretic diagrams are assumed to cover the monotonic behaviour.
From the comparison it is found that in case of the studied joint the EC3 procedure does not
give good agreement between the design and experimental results. The moment resistance
199
is under- and the initial stiffness is overestimated. For this reason on the bases of the design
and experimental results a modification is proposed to extend the EC3 procedure and to
apply it to evaluate joint parameters of the cyclic behaviour in the next phase of the research.
The method is verified by the experimental results. A parametric study is performed by the
EC3 and the modified EC3 methods to characterize the effect of structural details on the
design moment resistance and initial stiffness. The conclusions are drawn on the influence of
the end-plate thickness, the flange/web thickness and bolt grade.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The research work was conducted under the financial support of the Portuguese Hungarian
Intergovernmental Science and Technology Cooperation Program ICCTI/OM TT P-4/99,
TT P-11/01 and the National Scientific Research Foundation OTKA F 037869.
NOTATION
As
E
Ftr,Rd
hr
ki
: the tensile stress area of the bolt or of the anchor bolt,

: modulus of elasticity,
: effective tension resistance of bolt-row r,
: the distance from bolt-row r to the centre of compression,
: stiffness coefficient,
l eff,1 : effective length,
mx
tp
: location of the bolts

: end-plate thickness,
: the stiffness ratio.
REFERENCES
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
200
Kovcs N, Calado L. and Dunai L., (2004). Behaviour of bolted composite joints;
Experimental study, Journal of Constructional Steel Research, Volume 60, Issues 3- 5
March-May 2004. (Special issue: Eurosteel 2002 Third European Conference on Steel
Structures), pp 725-738.
dny S., (2001). Numerical and experimental analysis of bolted end-plate joint under
monotonic and cyclic loading, Ph.D. Dissertation, Budapest University of Technology
and Economics, Department of Structural Engineering.
Kovcs N., dny S., Calado L. and Dunai L., (2001). Experimental Program on Bolted
End-plate Joints of Composite Members, Report ICIST, DTC No. 15/01, Lisbon,
Portugal.
Kovcs N, dny S, Calado L and Dunai L., (2002). Experimental program on the
bolted end-plate type joints of slender section columns, Report ICIST No. 10/02,
Lisbon, Portugal.
ECCS (1986). Recommended Testing Procedure for Assessing the Behaviour of
Structural Steel Elements under Cyclic Loads, TWG 1.3, No. 45.
prEN 1993-1-8:2003, Eurocode 3: Design of steel structures, Part 1.8: Design of joints
prEN 1994-1-1:1992, Eurocode 4: Design of composite steel and concrete structures,
Part 1.1: General rules and rules for buildings
Ciutina A. L. and Dubina D., (2003). Influence of column web stiffeners on the seismic
behaviour of beam-to-column joints, Proc. of Conference on Behaviour of Steel
Structures in Seismic Areas, STESSA, pp 269-275. Naples, Italy.
ROTATIONAL CAPACITY AND DEMAND IN TOP-AND-SEAT ANGLE

CONNECTIONS SUBJECTED TO SEISMIC LOADING
Roberto T. Leon*, Jong Wan Hu**, and Corey Schrauben****
* Professor, Georgia Institute of Technology Atlanta, Georgia, USA
** PhD candidate, Georgia Institute of Technology Atlanta, Georgia, USA
**** Project Engineer, W. P. Moore and Associates, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
ABSTRACT
This paper explores strength, stiffness and rotational capacity rotational in thick
top-and-seat (cleated) angle connections subjected to monotonic and cyclic
loads. The results of test on two full-scale connections are described first, and
are then compared to published curve-fitting models for these types of
connections. The data indicate that the curve-fitting constants of some existing
mathematical models cannot be extrapolated to thick angles.
The
experimental results also show that these connections are capable of providing
very ductile behavior and constitute an ideal back-up structural system in steel
frames.
INTRODUCTION
Two major earthquakes in 1994 and 1995, the Northridge and Kobe earthquakes, highlighted
the vulnerability of welded connections in steel moment frames and drew attention to the role
that partial strength, partial restraint connections played in the post-fracture behavior of those
structures. As a result, several research projects were carried out to investigate the
behavior of weak to moderately stiff bolted connections as part of the SAC Program (1). As
part of SAC (2), the behavior of bolted T-stub and top-and-seat angle was studied both at the
component and full-scale connection level. This paper discusses the results of the two fullscale tests (3,4); the companion component tests have been described elsewhere (5). The
results of these tests, along with other modern tests by Azizinamini et al. (6), are then
compared with the predictions from several curve-fitting models available in the literature
(7,8). The latter include the Fry and Morris (1975) model based on odd-power polynomial
formulas (9), the Richard and Abbott (1975) four-parameter model (10), the Chen and Lui
(1985) exponential model (11), and the Kishi and Chen (1986) linear model (12,13). None of
these models limits the rotational capacity, as they are based on tests with flexible angles in
which a full plastic mechanism develops in the angles. This paper investigates the
extension of these models to situations where thick angles may lead to tension bolt failures.
EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM
Two full-scale top-and-seat angle connections were tested as part of the SAC project (4).
As there was extensive data available on the performance of connections with thin angles (t
< 16 mm) and shallow beams (d < 360 mm) subjected to cyclic loads (3), the emphasis was
on testing connections with thicker angles (t = 25 mm) and deeper beams (d = 460 mm). The
specimens consisted of FE 350 (Grade 50) W460x60 (W18x40) beams bolted to W360x216
201
(W14x145) columns. The connections to the flanges were made up of L203x152x25 (L8x6x1)
angles 203 mm (8 in.) wide with yield and ultimate strengths measured at 360 and 529 MPa
(52.3 and 76.7 ksi), respectively. The connections were made with four M10.8 22 mm (A490
7/8 in.) bolts transferring the shear to the beam flanges and two similar bolts transferring the
tension to the column flange. The difference between the two connections tested was in the
gage distance in the column bolts, i.e., in the 152 mm (6 in.) leg. For specimen FS-01, the
distance was 63 mm (2.5 in.), while it was 101 mm (4 in.) for specimen FS-02. These
intended to represent two extremes of behavior with respect to prying forces in the tension
bolts. Both specimens had a 228x80x8 mm (9 by 3-1/8 by 5/16) shear tab welded to the
column and bolted to the beam with five M10.8 22 mm (A490, 7/8 in.) bolts
4000
400
200
Moment (kN-m)
Moment (kip-in)
2000
-200
-2000
-400
-4000
-0.04
-0.02
0.00
0.02
0.04
Total Rotation (rad)
Figure 1. Moment-rotation curve for FS-01.

4000
400
3000
200
1000
0
-1000
Moment (kN-m)
Moment (kip-in)
2000
-200
-2000
-3000
-400
-4000
-0.06
-0.04
-0.02
0.00
0.02
0.04
0.06
Total Rotation (rad)
Figure 2. Moment-rotation curve for FS-02.
202
Specimen FS-01 (Figure 1) failed by tension bolt fracture at slightly less than 0.04 radian of
total rotation. The slip plateau is evident in Figure 1, with some deterioration of the frictional
capacity with cycling. For FS-01, the location of the tension bolt line was less than one inch
from the k-line of the angles, allowing only minimal prying action as the angle was unable to
deform. The test produced localized yielding in the beam flange only, with no evidence of the
formation of plastic hinges in the angles. It should be noted that the load history used is very
severe, corresponding to the demands in a high seismic zone.
Specimen FS-02 (Figure 2) produced a tension bolt failure as in FS-01. However, higher
displacements were reached due to the movement of the tension bolts away from the k-line
of the angles. Much more visible prying action was observed and less damage to the beam
was incurred. While plastic hinges did form above the k-line of the angle leg to the beam,
very little yielding occurred near the tension bolt line in the column. The angles in these tests
were extremely thick relative to the size of the beam and the tension bolts were clearly not
strong enough to allow complete formation of the plastic hinges in either the beam or angles.
CURVE-FITTING MODELS
In the USA, when top-and-seat connection capacities are required, it is common to resort to
published equations for moment-rotation curves. The latter are derived from curve-fitting to
test data. A good curve-fitting model requires a simple formulation that represents, to some
degree, the mechanics of the problem, but uses a minimum number of parameters to achieve
good results. The models proposed by Ang and Morris (1974), Frye and Morris (1975),
Richard and Abbott (1975), Chen and Lui (1985), and Chen and Kishi(1986) cover a wide
range of connection types (9-13). The data used, however, are typically from tests on small
specimens and some data relate to very old tests in which the degree of pretension and
actual material properties is uncertain. Figure 3 shows the standardized parameters
typically used for the mathematical models described in Table 1.
tt = t
f (Fastener Dia.) = w
Top angle
lt = l
Flange Angle
ga
kt
Web Angle
la
ks
gt
gs
Seat angle
ts (thickness of seat angle) ta (thickness of web angle)
ls
Figure 3. Definition of geometric parameters.

COMPARISONS TO EXPERIMENTAL DATA
Table 2 gives details of eight modern specimens tested under monotonic and cyclic loads. Six
specimens come from Azizinamini (6), with companion specimens at two thickness (10 mm
and 13 mm) tested under both static and cyclic loads (14S1/C1 and 12S2/C2); the other two
specimens represent different web detail connections (14S3 and 14S4). The remaining two
203
tests used in the comparisons are the thick-angle tests described earlier in this paper (4). It
should be noted that the Azizinamini tests were run with Fe 250 (A36) steel as opposed to Fe
350 (A572 Grade 50) as in the tests reported herein.
Table 1. Curve-fitting models for connection behavior (7-13).
Power Model
Model
Polynomial Model
Developer
Fry and Morris (1975)
Ang and Morris (1984)
Curved Fitting
C1=8.46 x 10-4, C2=1.01 x 10-4
o=5.17 x 10-3 , (KM)o=745.94
Parameter
C3=1.24 x 10-4
n=4.32
d, t, f, l
Geometric Parameter
K=d
Standardized Constant
General Form of the
model
Three Parameter
d, t, f, l
-1.5 -0.5 -1.1 -0.7
K=d
-1.06 -0.54 -1.28 -0.85
Standardized Ramberg-Osgood
c = C1(KM) +C2(KM) +C3(KM)

1
function
[c/o] = [KM/(KM)o][1+(KM/(KM)o)n-1]
Calibration Tests
Rathbun(1936), Mains(1944)
Hetchman and Johnston(1947)
Power Model
Model
Developer
Three Parameter
Four Parameter
Chen and Kishi (1987)
Richard and Abbott (1975)
Rki, Mu,
n=0.827((o<1.9x10-3rad)
Parameters
kp, k, Mo, n=2
n =1.398log10o+4.93(o>1.9x10-3rad)
Geometric Parameter
General Form of the
model
Calibration Tests
lt, tt, kt, gt, w, d, ls, ts, ks, gs, da, ta, ka,
lt, tt, kt, gt, w, d, ls, ts, ks, gs, da, ta,
ga, la (Including web angle)
ka, ga, la (Including web angle)
c = (M/Rki)(1/(1-(M/Mu)1/n))
M=[(k-kp) c] / [(1+|(k-kp) c / Mo|n )n-1]

+ kpc
Azizinamini et al.(1985)
Table 2. Specimen details (3,4).

Top and Bottom Flange Angle
Web Angle
Specimen
Type of
Beam
No.
Test
Selection
tt
lt (ls)
ta
Lc
*14S1
*14S2
*14S3
*14S4
*14C1
*14C2
**FS-01
**FS-02
Static
Static
Static
Static
Cyclic
Cyclic
Cyclic
Cyclic
W14x38
W14x38
W14x38
W14x38
W14x38
W14x38
W18x40
W18x40
3/8
1/2
3/8
3/8
3/8
1/2
1
1
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
5.5
5.5
5.5
5.5
5.5
5.5
5.5
5.5
1/4
1/4
1/4
3/8
1/4
1/4
5/16
5/16
8.5
8.5
5.5
8.5
8.5
8.5
9
9
204
800
1200
1100
700
1000
900
Moment(K-in)
Moment(K-in)
600
500
400
14S1
F- M M o.
A- M M o.
C- K M o.
R- A M o.
300
200
100
0.01
0.02
Rot at i on( r ad)
0.03
700
600
500
14S2
F- M M o.
A- M M o.
C- K M o.
R- A M o.
400
300
200
100
0
0
0
800
0.04
800
1000
700
900
0.01
0.02
0.03
Rot at i on( r ad)
0.04
800
Moment(K-in)
Moment(K-in)
600
500
400
14S3
F- M M o.
A- M M o.
C- K M o.
R- A M o.
300
200
100
700
600
500
14S4
F- M M o.
A- M M o.
C- K M o.
R- A M o.
400
300
200
100
0
0
0
0.01
0.02
Rot at i on( r ad)
0.03
0.04
0.01
0.02
0.03
0.04
Rot at i on( r ad)
Figure 4. Comparison for monotonic tests.

COMPARISON OF MOMENT ROTATION CURVES
The four specimens subjected to static load shown in Table 2 will be first compared using four
models (Figure 4). For the Ang and Morris model, regardless of the dimension of each
specimen, an identical reference moment and rotation angle are used. This model is
capable of providing a good, if somewhat larger, estimate of initial stiffness in spite of
neglecting the effect of the double web angles. On the other hand, the Fry and Morris model
consistently underestimates both strength and stiffness of the connections. The power
models have parameters based on the specimens dimensions and show good agreement
with the experimental moment-rotation curves even in the nonlinear range. When n, the
shape parameter, is increased, the behavior of the connection becomes closer to an
idealized elasto-plastic model. The connection has no further moment resistance when the
moment approaches ultimate moment (Mu). The Richard and Abbott model needs four
parameters: the initial stiffness (k), the strain hardening stiffness (kp), a reference moment
(Mo) and a parameter n defining the shape of the curve. These values are shown in Table 3
based on the results of the Azizinamini tests.
205
All cyclic tests show an increased strength with cycling due to cyclic hardening, and show
clearly the results of the Bauschinger effect. Comparisons for the four cyclic tests shown in
Table 2 are given in Figure 5.
Table 3. Summary of static test results (N-mm/rad, N-mm).
Specimen
Initial
Stiffness of secant line

-3
Slope of M - c
Moment at
-3
-3
Moment at
stiffness
to 4.0 x 10 rad.
4.0 x 10 rad.
curves at 24x10 rad.
24x10-3 rad.
14S1
215 x 108
123 x 108
491 x 105
655 x 106
755 x 105
14S2
333 x 108
172 x 108
686 x 105
142 x 107
107 x 106
14S3
131 x 108
100 x 108
401 x 105
813 x 106
737 x 105
14S4
251 x 108
140 x 108
560 x 105
938 x 106
929 x 105
14C2
14C1
800
600
600
400
-0.015
200
0
-0.01
-0.005
0.005
0.01
0.015
-200
Moment(K-in)
Moment(K-in)
400
-0.015
200
0
-0.01
-0.005
-200
F- M M o.
0.005
-600
0.015
A- M M o.
-600
C- K M o.
0.01
F- M M o.
-400
A- M M o.
-400
C- K M o.
-800
Rot at i on( r ad)
Rot at i on( r ad)
FS01 CA01
4000
4000
3000
2000
2000
-0.04
1000
0
-0.03
-0.02
-0.01
0
-1000
0.01
0.02
0.03
0.04
F- M M o.
-2000
A- M M o.
-3000
C- K M o.
-4000
Moment(K-in)
Moment(K-in)
3000
FS01 CA02
-0.04
1000
0
-0.02
-1000
0.02
-2000
0.04
0.06
F- M M o.
A- M M o.
-3000
C- K M o.
-4000
Rot at i on( r ad)
Rot at i on( r ad)
Figure 5. Comparison for cyclic tests.

The use of models developed for monotonic loading to predict cyclic behavior is based on the
observation that the envelopes of cyclic tests match closely the envelope for static tests; i.e.,
the behavior of specimens 14S1 and 14S2 match closely the envelope from 14C1 and 14C2
respectively. For the thick clip angle specimens (FA-01 and FA-02), the Chen and Kishi
206
model substantially overpredicts both the stiffness and the strain hardening behavior.
Surprisingly, the Ang and Morris model prediction agrees rather well with the test envelope.
On the other hand, the Fry and Morris model underpredicts the strength and stiffness by an
appreciable margin.
Tables 4 through 7 show a comparison between the experimental results and the
mathematical models in terms of both the stiffness and moment. Four parameters are used
for comparisons in these tables. First, *K-secan is the elastic stiffness of a secant line to 4.0 x
10-3 rad resulting from a polynomial model or a power model. Similarly, **M-secant is moment
at 4.0 x 10-3 rad. After reaching the yield moment, the slope of the moment rotation curve
remains constant. A slope parameter (***Kp) was measured at 24x10-3 rad and used in the
comparisons of the monotonic tests. To compare with experimental curves after yield, the
static moment at 24x10-3 rad was used. For the cyclic tests with thick angles, the moment at
20x10-3 rad was used as this is still in the hardening range of the envelope. The RichardAbbott model requires parameters obtained from experimental results, and thus its results
can also be included in the comparisons.
Table 4. Comparison of experimental model and Fry-Morris model (N-mm/rad, N-mm).
Comparison
*K-secant
Specimen
(F-M Mo.)
14S1
746 x107
14S2
862 x10
746 x10
746 x10
746 x10
862 x10
207 x10
207 x10
14S3
14S4
14C1
14C2
FS01CA01
FS01CA02
%Diff
**M-secant %Diff
(F-M Mo.)
39.3%
298 x105
49.7%
345 x10
298 x10
298 x10
298 x10
345 x10
827 x10
827 x10
25.6%
46.7%
49.2%
38.5%
61.5%
54.8%
***Kp
(F-M Mo.)
39.3%
111 x107
49.7%
121 x10
111 x10
46.7%
111 x10
49.2%
38.5%
25.6%
61.5%
54.7%
%Diff
-68.9%
15%
-36.1%
****Mp
%Diff
(F-M Mo.)
657 x105
13%
759 x10
28.8%
657 x10
10.9%
15.3%
657 x10
29.3%
58.3%
50%
170 x10
170 x10
Ave(%)
45.65%
45.65%
-18.7%
31.72%
Var(%)
10.42%
10.42%
35.75%
17.49%
Table 5. Comparison of experimental model and Ang-Morris model (N-mm/rad, N-mm).

Comparison
K-secant
Specimen
(A-M Mo.)
14S1
162 x108
14S2
190 x10
162 x10
162 x10
162 x10
190 x10
14S3
14S4
14C1
14C2
CA01
CA01
432x10
432x10
%Diff
M-secant
(A-M Mo.)
%Diff
-31.7%
647 x105
-10.4%
757 x10
647 x10
647 x10
-15.5%
647 x10
-10.2%
757 x10
-9.8%
24.3%
-61.4%
-15.5%
-10.2%
-9.8%
24.3%
6%
173 x10
173 x10
Kp
(A-M Mo.)
-31.7%
120 x107
-10.4%
-61.4%
119 x10
120 x10
120 x10
%Diff
-82%
15.8%
-47.2%
27.7%
6%
Mp
(A-M Mo.)
115 x106
%Diff
-53%
-26.2%
115 x10
-56.7%
115 x10
-24.3%
307 x106
24.4%
135 x10
307 x10
9.3%
Ave(%)
-13.6%
-13.6%
21.42%
-21.08%
Var(%)
23.8%
23.79%
60.71%
29.76%
207
Table 6. Comparison of experimental model and Chen-Kishi model (N-mm/rad, N-mm).

Comparison
K-secant
Specimen
(C-K Mo.)
14S1
111 x108
14S2
194 x10
162 x10
997 x10
14S3
14S4
14C1
111 x10
14C2
CA01
CA01
194 x10
124 x10
127 x10
%Diff
9.2%
-13.3%
-62.5%
28.8%
24.6%
11.3%
-132%
-176%
M-secant
(C-K Mo.)
443 x105
%Diff
9.2%
Kp
(C-K Mo.)
231 x106
257 x10
378 x10
(C-K Mo.)
%Diff
64.7%
759 x105
68.6%
-10%
655 x10
11%
958 x10
-3.2%
-0.005%
775 x10
399 x10
574 x10
28.8%
443 x10
24.6%
775 x10
11.3%
497 x10
-132%
629 x106
-54.5%
506 x10
-176%
-89.6%
-62.5%
446 x10
Mp
-13.3%
%Diff
68.3%
59.7%
118 x10
643 x10
Ave(%)
38.73%
38.73%
65.5%
-24.3%
Var(%)
72.58%
72.58%
3.6%
33.2%
Table 7. Comparison of experimental model and Richard-Abbott model (N-mm/rad, N-mm).

Comparison Specimen
M-secant (R-A Mo.)
%Diff
Mp (R-A Mo.)
%Diff
515 x10
14S2
689 x10
-0.5%
107 x10
14S3
395 x105
1.43%
728 x105
1.2%
14S4
-8.06%
0.6%
14S1
606 x10
-6.8%
750 x10
0.6%
0.3%
923 x10
Ave(%)
-3.428%
0.675%
Var(%)
4.03%
0.82%
CONCLUSIONS
Except for the Richard Abbott model, which has to show good agreement by definition
since its constants were based on the data used for the comparisons, large discrepancies
between the experimental results and the models are obvious. In general, the results for
thick clip angles evidence a larger percent difference than those for thin angles. As the table
and figure indicate, the Chen-Kishi model based on Azizinaminis experimental data shows
good agreement for the thin to medium clip angle cases. However, it does not provide
satisfactory results for the behavior of the thick clip angle connections. Most important, none
of the curve-fitting models is capable of predicting the rotational capacity when the tension
capacity of the bolts governs the behavior. Ongoing work will compare these conclusions with
results from both Eurocode and another polynomial models developed by Citipitioglu et al.
(14).
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2
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208
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Frye, M.J., and Morris, G.A. (1975). Analysis of Flexibility Connected Steel Frames, Can.
J. Civil Eng. v. 2, n. 3, pp. 280-291
Ang, K.M., and Morris, G.A. (1984). Analysis of Three-Dimensional Frames with Flexible
Beam-Column Connections, Can. J. Civil Eng. v.11, pp.245-254
Richard, R.M., and Abbott, B.J. (1975). Versatile Elastic Plastic Stress-Strain Formula, J.
of Engineering Mechanics, ASCE, v.101, n. 4, pp. 511-515
Chen, W.F., and Kishi, N. (1989). Semi-rigid Steel Beam-to-Column Connections:
Database and Modeling, J. of Structure, ASCE, v.115, n.1, pp.105-119
Chen, W.F., and Kishi, N., Matsuoka, K.G. (1993) Design Aid of Semi-Rigid Connections
for Frame Analysis, J. of Engineering., AISC, 4th quarter, pp.90-107
Citipitioglu, A.M., Haj-Ali, R.M., and White, D.D. (2002). Refined 3D Finite Element
Modeling of Partially Restrained Connections Including Slip, Journal of Constructional
Steel Research, v. 58, nos. 5-8, pp. 995-1014
209
210
SEISMIC PERFORMANCE OF DEEP COLUMN-TO-BEAM WELDED

REDUCED BEAM SECTION MOMENT CONNECTIONS
J.M. Ricles, Lehigh University, U.S.A.
X. Zhang, Lehigh University, U.S.A.
J.W. Fisher, Lehigh University, U.S.A
L.W. Lu, Lehigh University, U.S.A
ABSTRACT
An experimental study was conducted to investigate the seismic behavior of
reduced beam section (RBS) moment connections to a deep wide flange
column. The test matrix for the experimental program consisted of six full-scale
interior RBS connections, where the column for the specimens ranged in depth
from a W24 to a W36 wide flange section. All but one of the specimens had a
composite floor slab. The results from the study show that a composite floor
slab provides restraint to the top flange of the beams; reducing the magnitude
of beam top and bottom flange lateral movement in the RBS, column twist, and
strength degradation due to beam instability in the RBS. The performance of
each of the test specimens was found to meet the seismic connection
qualification criteria in Appendix S of the AISC Seismic Provisions, and thereby
have sufficient ductility for seismic resistant design. The results of the
experimental study, along with a nonlinear finite element study were used to
develop seismic design recommendations for RBS connections to deep
columns.
INTRODUCTION
RBS beam-to-column moment connections are often utilized in the design of special steel
moment resistant frames (SMRFs). The details of a typical RBS connection are shown in
Figure 1(a), where the flanges of the beam are reduced in width, away from the column face.
Complete joint penetration (CJP) groove welds attach the beam flanges to the column. The
beam web often is welded to the column flange with a CJP groove weld. By design, the RBS
connection develops inelastic deformations primarily in the region where the beam flange
width has been reduced (referred to herein as the RBS), limiting the inelastic strain developed
in the beam flange-to-column CJP groove welds. With the reduction of the beam flange width,
an RBS connection is more prone to inelastic local buckling of the beam web and flanges in
the RBS. For economical reasons, design engineers in the U.S. prefer to use deep columns
in SMRFs (as large as 914 mm in depth corresponding to a W36 wide flange section) in order
to control seismic drift. Previous tests on RBS connections have been performed primarily on
columns with depths corresponding to a W12 and W14 wide flange section (Roeder (1)),
where the depth was about 305 mm to 356 mm. Some tests using W27 wide flange column
sections (686 mm depth) were conducted by Chi and Uang (2), where the connection was an
exterior connection (i.e., only one beam was connected to the column). It was observed in
these tests, that as a result of inelastic beam web and flange local buckling in the RBS, a
lateral displacement of the beam compression flanges occurs. Shown in Figure 1(b) is the
movement of the compression flanges (the top and bottom flanges of the right and left-hand
beams, respectively), where F1 and F2 represent the beam flange compression forces of the
211
two beams. Due to an eccentricity created by the lateral movement of the compression
flanges, a torque is applied to the column. Deep columns tend to have thinner flanges and a
web than a shallower column, resulting in a reduced torsional resistance. Consequently, there
have been concerns that the use of an
RBS connection to a deep column in a
(a)
SMRF can lead to inferior seismic
Erection bolt
performance because of the connection
being susceptibility to torsional loading
from the beams.
Doubler Plate
(b)
e1
FF1
1
e2
F2 2
Figure 1. (a) RBS connection details, and

(b) RBS local buckling and lateral beam
flange movement.
The lack of knowledge of the performance

of
RBS
beam-to-deep
column
connections under seismic loading led to
a study on this topic at Lehigh University
(3). The study involved both finite element
analysis and experimental tests. The
effects of the column depth, a composite
floor slab, panel zone strength, beam web
slenderness, and supplemental lateral
bracing at the end of the RBS section
were examined. Six full-scale specimens
were subsequently tested involving
different column and beam sizes, a
composite floor slab and supplemental
lateral bracing. Results and conclusions
from the experimental study, along with
some design recommendations are
presented in this paper.
TEST MATRIX
The test matrix for the experimental program is given below in Table 1, where some of the
details of the six full-scale RBS beam-to-deep column connection specimens are
summarized. All specimens represented an interior RBS connection in a perimeter SMRF
with a composite floor slab, with the exception of SPEC-6 which did not have a composite
floor slab. The parameters investigated in the experimental program included: (1) column
size; (2) beam size; (3) the floor slab; and (4) supplemental lateral brace at the end of the
RBS.
The beam and column section sizes for each specimen were selected on the basis of
introducing different degrees of torsional effects, predicted by the recommended design
procedure of Chi and Uang (2), while also satisfying the weak beam-strong column criteria in
the ASIC Seismic Provisions (4). The design procedure by Chi and Uang considers the total
normal stress in the column at 4% story drift due to axial load, flexure load, and torsion. The
predicted total normal stress in the column flange is shown plotted in Figure 2 for various
column sections, including those of the test specimens. Figure 2 indicates that SPEC-2,
SPEC-4, and SPEC-5 are predicted to develop column flange yielding. The columns for all
specimens and the beams for SPEC-3 through SPEC-6 were fabricated from A992 steel. The
beams for SPEC-1 and SPEC-2 were fabricated from A572 Gr. 50 steel. Both A992 and A572
Gr. 50 have a nominal yield strength of 345 MPa.
212
Table 1. Test matrix.

SPEC
Column
size
Beam
Size
Doubler
Plate
Supp.
Floor
Lat.
Slab Brace @
RBS
Yield Stress
Flange/Web
(MPa)
Beam
W36x230 W36x150
W27x194 W36x150
W27x194 W36x150
W36x150 W36x150
W27x146 W30x108
W24x131 W30x108
6x800x
1067
13x610x
1067
13x610x
1067
10x8160x
1067
10x610x
914
13x533x
914
Tensile Stress
Flange/Web
(MPa)
Col
Beam
Col
Yes
No
343/378 356/393
478/492
496/514
Yes
No
343/378 372/392
478/492
520/502
Yes
Yes
365/396 356/403
508/506
497/521
Yes
No
365/396 365/396
508/506
508/506
Yes
No
344/353 363/399
471/469
499/513
No
Yes
344/353 334/359
471/469
499/493
Shear Plate
SPEC-4
W36x150
SPEC-2
W27x194
300
Shear tab
6"
SPEC-6 W24x131
SPEC-3 W27x194
100
6"
E71T-8
(supplemental bracing)
200
27"
(supplemental bracing)
9"
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
E71T-8
CJP
No Runoff Tabs
E70T-1
RBS
Flange Cut
Beam
E70T-6
R CJP(TC-U4a-GF)
E70T-1
0
0
E71T-8
E70T-6
CJP(TC-U4a-GF)
erection bolts
SPEC-1
W36x230
400
E70T-1
6"
SPEC-5
W27x146
500
SPEC-5 and 6 had

W30x108 beams; all
others had W36x150
beams
10"
Total Stress (MPa)
600
Continuity plate
Doubler plate
E70T-1
(TYP)
6"
700
Column
E71T-8
E70T-1
Column Section Weight (kg/m)
Figure 2. Column total stress per Chi and Uang

(2) versus column section weight.
Figure 3. Specimen typical connection

details (Note: 1 inch = 25.4 mm).
CONNECTION AND COMPOSITE FLOOR SLAB DETAILS

The elevation of a typical connection detail is shown in Figure 3. Each specimen was
designed in accordance with the criteria recommended by Engelhardt (5) for RBS
connections, where the design moment in the beam at the column face is limited to Mpn,
where Mpn is the nominal plastic capacity of the beam. For the six specimens in the test
matrix, the average value of the beam design moment at the column face was equal to
0.973Mpn. The reduction in flange width at the center of the RBS for each specimen was 50%
of the original flange width, which complied with the design criteria of Engelhardt. The RBS
was flame cut, with the burned surface ground to a surface roughness of 500 micro-inches,
as recommended by FEMA 353 (6). Each specimen had continuity plates the same thickness
as the beam flanges and designed for a balanced panel zone condition. Complete details are
given in Ricles et al. (3). The weld procedure specifications used in the fabrication of the
connections were prequalified in accordance with AWS D1.1/D1.1M:2002 (7). All welds were
done using the flux core arc welding procedure, and conformed to the AWS 5.20-95
Specification (8). The beam flange-to-column flange CJP groove field welds and beam webto-column CJP groove field welds utilized E70T-6 and E71T-8 electrodes, respectively. All
shop welds (e.g., shear tab to the column, doubler and continuity plates) were performed
using E70T-1. The run off tabs for the beam flanges were removed following the placement of
213
the CJP groove welds, and the weld at the edges of the beam flanges ground to a smooth
transition. The backing bar of the top flange weld was left in place and a reinforcement fillet
weld was provided between the bottom surface of the backing bar and the column flange
using the E71T-8 electrode. The beam bottom flange backing bar was removed using the airarc process, back gouged, and reinforced with a fillet weld using an E71T-8 electrode. No run
off tabs were used for the vertical beam web CJP groove welds. All CJP groove welds were
inspected using the ultrasonic test procedure in order to evaluate whether they complied with
the criteria in AWS D1.1 (7) for weld quality.
The specimen composite floor slab had a total thickness of 133 mm, and consisted of 27.6
MPa nominal compressive strength concrete cast on a 20-gage zinc coated metal deck. A
W4x4 welded wire mesh with wire 152 mm on center was placed in the floor slab prior to
pouring the concrete. The width of the floor slab was 1220 mm to one side, with a 305 mm
overhang on the other side to simulate the conditions for a perimeter SMRF. The ribs of the
decking ran parallel to the main beam (i.e., the beams with the RBS connections) of each test
specimen. To develop the composite action, 19 mm diameter shear studs were placed
outside the RBS region at 305 mm spacing along the beams to attach the deck to the main
beams as well as transverse W14x22 floor beams. These transverse beams were placed at a
spacing of 3048 mm to provide lateral bracing to the main beams and column, where the
distance of 3048 mm satisfied the AISC Seismic Provisions (4).
SPEC-6, which had no composite floor slab, had a supplemental lateral brace at the end of
the RBS in addition to the other lateral bracing noted above for the beams. The lateral
bracing was attached to a W36x150 section that was placed parallel to the beams of the test
specimen to simulate a parallel beam in the prototype building. This parallel beam in the test
setup was allowed to move horizontally with the test specimen, but restrained from out-ofplane movement. The corresponding stiffness of the lateral bracing setup satisfied the AISC
LRFD Specification (9). SPEC-3 also had supplemental lateral braces, but these were
anchored in the floor slab.
TEST SETUP, LOADING PROTOCOL, INSTRUMENTATION
The test setup is shown in Figure 4 (a), with the lateral bracing detail given in Figure 4(b) for
the main beams. The ends of the members in the test setup had pin-connected boundary
conditions, using cylindrical bearings to simulate inflection points at the beam midspan and
column midheight in the prototype frame. The ends of each beam away from the column were
supported by instrumented rigid links, which simulated a roller boundary condition and
enabled horizontal movement of the end of each beam. The lateral bracing detail shown in
Figure 4(b) was used to prevent out-of-plane movement of the beams and column (the
diagonal double angles were not used at the column), and designed for strength and stiffness
in accordance with the AISC LRFD Specification (9). The top of the column was braced
against torsion, while at the base of the column a clevis was used to create the pin boundary
condition. The beams were also braced at the rigid links in order to stabilize the test setup.
The torsional bracing provided at both ends of the column in the test setup was evaluated
using a nonlinear finite element model (3) to examine whether the stiffness would be
representative of the torsional restraint at the column inflection points in the prototype
structure. It was found to be satisfactory and not influence the test results by over-restraining
the ends of the column from twisting.
The specimens were tested by imposing a cyclic story drift history based on the loading
sequence defined in Appendix S of the AISC Seismic Provisions (4). The loading protocol
consisted of initial elastic cycles of story drift, followed by cycles of increased amplitude to
cause inelastic response. A test was terminated when either a fracture occurred, resulting in
214
a significant loss of specimen capacity, or after reaching a story drift of 6%. Each specimen
was instrumented to enable measurement of the applied loads, reactions at the rigid links,
specimen story drift; strains in the beam, column, panel zone, and continuity plates; in
addition to panel zone deformation, plastic beam rotation, twisting of the column, and lateral
displacement of the beam at the center of the RBS.
SYM
CL
10'
1312"
Load Cell
Column
Floor Beam
(North Side Only)
Floor Slab
Actuator
Shear Stud
Floor Beam(North Side Only)

No Diagonal Bracing
131 "
2
12"
A325
diam.
(TYP)
W36x150
3
Beam (East)
Beam (West)
Beam Web Stiffener with

Load Cell Diagonal Brace to Floor
Beam (North Side Only)
14'-9"
(b)
Load Cell
1312"
6'-6"
6'-6"
21"
10'
29'-6"
48"
Floor Slab
51 4"
(a)
4"
Double
Angle
2 L2x2x5 16
W14x22
14'-9"
Setup Lateral Bracing
Figure 4. (a) Test setup and (b) beam lateral bracing detail for specimens with a
composite floor slab (Note: 1 inch = 25.4 mm).
TEST RESULTS
A summary of test results for each specimen is given in Table 2, where Rv/Vpz, max, Mf/Mpn,
K,col, , flg, and bf are equal to the ratio of panel zone shear capacity-to-panel zone shear
force corresponding to the plastic flexural moment developing in the RBS, specimen drift from
the last cycle prior to any fracture or strength deterioration to below 80% of the specimen
nominal capacity, ratio of maximum measured beam moment developed at the column faceto-nominal beam flexural capacity, column elastic torsional stiffness, specimen column twist
at 4% story drift, lateral displacement of the beam bottom flange at the RBS at 4% story drift,
and beam flange width, respectively. Typical observed behavior during the testing of a
specimen consisted of yielding in the RBS and the panel zone, followed by cyclic local web
and flange buckling in the RBS. Following the development of local bucking in the RBS,
lateral movement of the bottom beam flange began to occur in the RBS of specimens with a
composite floor slab at 2% to 3% story drift. The combined effect of cyclic local buckling and
lateral flange displacement resulted in a gradual deterioration in specimen capacity to occur
during subsequent cycles where the story drift amplitude was increased. This is evident in the
lateral load-story drift hysteretic response of SPEC-4 shown in Figure 5. The lateral
displacement of the bottom beam flange occurred when it was in compression, and caused
some column twist to develop. Figure 7(a) and (b) shows photographs of SPEC-4 at 4% and
6% story drift, where the yielding in the members and panel zone in the connection region
and lateral beam flange movement in the RBS are visible. The maximum column twist among
the specimens with a floor slab at 4% story drift was 0.037 rads. (SPEC-4). 4% story drift is
the drift at which connections are judged for qualification for seismic use by the AISC Seismic
Provisions (4). SPEC-4, like the other specimens, developed a flange fracture in the RBS
where extensive local flange buckling had occurred (see Figure 7(c)). This occurred at a story
drift of 6%, and was caused by local buckling in the beam flange that led to large cyclic
strains, resulting in a low cycle fatigue failure. SPEC-6, which had a supplemental brace and
lateral bracing attached to the beam that is parallel to the test beam, had minimal
deterioration in capacity as well as column twist (0.004 rads. at 4% story drift), see Figure 6.
215
2000
1500
1500
1000
1000
Lateral Load (kN)
Lateral Load (kN)
2000
500
0
-500
500
0
-500
-1000
-1000
-1500
-1500
-2000
-2000
-6
-4
-2
0
2
Story Drift (% rad.)
Figure 5. Lateral load-story drift

hysteretic response of SPEC-4.
-6
-4
-2
0
2
Story Drift (% rad.)
Figure 6. Lateral load-story drift

hysteretic response of SPEC-6.
(a) Yielding and

local buckling in
connection
region, 4% drift
fracture
(b) Beam bottom flange lateral movement
at RBS, 4% story drift
(c) Beam bottom flange fracture

at RBS, 6% story drift
Figure 7. Photographs of SPEC-4 during testing.

The reduced amount of deterioration in the capacity of SPEC-6 was due to the specimen
having a weaker panel zone than the other specimens. As noted in Table 2, for SPEC-6 the
ratio of Rv/Vpz is equal to 1.03. Rv is based on the ASIC Seismic Provisions (4). All other
specimens have a value of 1.14 or greater for the ratio of Rv/Vpz. Consequently, these other
specimens developed a larger amount of yielding and local buckling in the RBS than SPEC-6,
leading to local buckling and deterioration in specimen capacity.
In Table 2, all specimens are shown to have a value for max that exceeds 0.04 rads., which is
the current criteria in Appendix S of the AISC Seismic Provisions (4) for qualifying a
connection for seismic use. A summary of the ratio of Mf/Mpn in Table 2 indicates that the
maximum beam moment developed at the column face in the specimens exceeded the
design value of Mpn for which the specimens were designed, with SPEC-5 having the
maximum value of 1.2. The increase in the moment Mf is attributed to the composite floor
slab increasing the moment capacity in the RBS. SPEC-6 had a valve of Mf equal to 1.0, and
had no composite floor slab.
216
Table 2. Test results.

SPEC
Rv
Vpz
max
(% rad)
Mf
M pn
K,col
(kN-m/rad)
(1)
(rad)
flg (1)
(mm)
0.2bf
(mm)
1.26
4.0
1.03
3190
0.016
53
61
1.14
4.0
1.13
1404
0.025
34
61
1.28
5.0
1.15
1404
0.006
35
-(2)
1.24
4.0
1.11
947
0.037
38
61
1.21
5.0
1.20
900
0.007
26
53
1.03
4.0
1.00
577
0.004
-(2)
Note: (1) Corresponding to 4% story drift

(2) Chi and Uang criteria (2) for transverse beam flange movement does not apply to
cases with supplemental braces.
6000
SPEC-4
SPEC-6
Strain (microstrain)
4000
2000
y=1765
0
-2000
-4000
-6000
-150
-100
-50
0
50
100
Distance across column flange (mm)
150
Figure 8. Longitudinal strain profile across column flange, just below

RBS connection; 4% story drift.
An examination of the results for column twist in Table 2 reveals that column twist tends to
increase when the elastic torsional stiffness of the column K,col is reduced. However, for a
smaller beam section size is reduced, although the column torsional stiffness is smaller
(e.g., SPEC-5). This phenomenon is associated with a smaller demand on the column when
a smaller beam is used. The column twist is reduced significantly in specimens with a
supplemental brace (SPEC-3 and SPEC-6). The reduction in column twisting in SPEC-6 is
also attributed to a weaker panel zone, which reduced the amount of yielding and local
buckling in the RBS, and subsequently less lateral movement in the RBS. An examination of
the measured specimen beam flange lateral displacement flg in Table 2 shows these results
to be less than the value of 0.2bf, which is the value recommended by Chi and Uang (2) for
determining the design torque T applied to the column. Consequently, the use of the value of
0.2bf for determining the design torsional loading on the column from the RBS will result in a
larger column design torque. This is evident by comparing the column total normal stress at
the connection based on Chi and Uangs recommendation with the measured specimen
response (see Table 3). The criterion by Chi and Uang anticipates column flange yielding
occurring in SPEC-2, 4, and 5; see Figure 2, where the nominal yield stress is 345 MPa. The
measured column flange longitudinal strains in these specimens indicated no yielding in
SPEC-2 and 5, with some minor yielding occurring in SPEC-4 (a maximum strain of 2 to 4
times the yield strain developed). The measured longitudinal strains across the column flange
just below the connection are shown in Figure 8 for SPEC-4 and SPEC-6. These results are
217
representative of typical specimen behavior, and show little evidence of a strain gradient
across the flange that would result from the effects of warping normal stresses due to column
torsion.
DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS
The strains in the beam bottom flange near the column face were examined to evaluate the
stress distribution across the beam flange that leads to a torque T applied to the column.
Shown below in Figure 9(a) is the distribution of longitudinal stress across the beam bottom
flange at 4% story drift. These stresses are based on measured longitudinal strains in the
specimens. These results correspond to a negative beam moment at the column face (i.e.,
when the bottom flange of the beam is in compression). Similar results for longitudinal
stress across the beam compression flange were obtained from finite element studies (see
Figure 9(b)). The results in Figure 9 show a trend where the stress distribution across the
beam flange has a reduction in stress, which is due to a moment in the plane of the beam
flange caused by the lateral movement of the beam flange at the RBS. This moment is
equivalent to the torque T that is applied by the beam flange to the column. Shown in Figure
10(a) is an idealized uniform longitudinal stress distribution prior to lateral movement of the
beam flange in the RBS (at 2% story drift). The idealized longitudinal stress distribution at 4%
story drift based on the measured and finite element analysis results is given in Figure 10(b).
At 4% drift local buckling and lateral beam flange movement has occurred in the RBS.
Elastic-perfectly stress-strain behavior is assumed in Figure 10, where Fye is the yield stress.
300
Stress (MPa)
200
100
SPEC-1
SPEC-2
SPEC-3
SPEC-4
SPEC-5
0
Longitudinal stress (MPa)
400
100
0
-100
(a)
-200
(b)
-100
-200
-300
-400
-300
-400
-150
-100
-50
0
50
100
Distance across beam flange (mm)
150
-500
-150
-100
-50
0
50
100
Distance across beam flange (mm)
150
Figure 9. Longitudinal stress distribution across beam flange for (a) all test
specimens, and (b) finite element analysis of SPEC-2.
Fye
Fye
(a)
(b)
Figure 10. Idealized longitudinal stress distribution across beam bottom flange at
(a) 2% story drift and (b) 4% story drift.
218
For the longitudinal stress distribution shown in Figure 10(b), T can be shown (3) to be equal
to
T=
11
Fyeb 2f t f
150
(1)
where Fye, bf, and tf are equal to the expected beam flange yield stress (1.1Fy), the beam
flange width, and beam flange thickness, respectively.
A design procedure was thus developed in order to determine the total design longitudinal
stress ftotal in the column flange that is attached to an RBS connection. The procedure
involves determining the elastic warping normal stresses fw that develop in the column flange
due to the torque T (10) and superimposing them with the column flange normal stresses
due to bending (fb) and axial loading (fa) to obtain the total normal stress ftotal, where
f w = EWnO "
(2)
In Equation (2) E, WnO, and are equal to the Youngs modulus, normalized warping
function at the column flange tip (10), and the second derivative of the angle of twist in the
column (10), respectively, where is a function of the torque T.
The total stress ftotal is compared to the criteria in the AISC LRFD Specification (9), Equation
(H2-1), where
f total = Fy
(3)
in which and Fy are the resistance factor (0.9) and nominal yield stress of the column
flange, respectively. The above design procedure is similar to that developed by Chi and
Uang (2), except for the method in which the torque is determined.
Table 3. Comparison of column normal flange compression stresses with design procedure.
SPEC
Column
W36x230
W27x194
W27x194
W36x150
W27x146
W24x131
Beam
W36x150
W30x108
Axial
load Bending
stress stress
fa
fb (MPa)
(MPa)
Experimental
Total normal
results, total
stress ftotal (MPa) stress & strain,
4% story drift
Chi
ProProStrain Stress
and
posed
posed
()
(MPa)
Uang
Warping
stress fw
(MPa)
Chi
and
Uang
190
128
66
318
256
1277
255
299
182
101
481
400
2151
372(1)
332
332
332
1797
356(1)
337
321
163
658
500
3296
365(1)
252
180
95
432
347
1598
319
347
347
347
2525
334(1)
Note: (1) Yield stress of the column flange.

The total normal column flange stress based on the above procedure is compared in Table 3
to the measured stress of the test specimens, as well as the stress predicted using the
procedure by Chi and Uang (2). The comparisons in Table 3 indicate that a more accurate
prediction of the total normal stress in the column flange is made using the above procedure
compared to the procedure developed by Chi and Uang (2). The difference between the two
219
methods is the normal warping stress fw predicted by the above procedure is based on a
more accurate value of the torque T applied to the column. For specimens with a
supplemental lateral brace it was assumed that the restraint of the supplemental brace
resulted in no torque applied to the column (i.e., the normal warping stress fw is equal to
zero). This results in a lower predicted stress than the measured response.
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
An experimental program was conducted in order to evaluate the seismic performance of
RBS connections to deep wide flange columns. The study involved testing six full-scale
specimens to evaluate the effects of column depth, beam size, composite floor slab, and a
supplemental lateral brace.
Based on the experimental study, the following main conclusions are noted:
1. A composite floor slab can significantly reduce the lateral displacement of the beam
bottom flange in the RBS and the amount of twist developed in the column. The slab
appears to be effective in reducing the twist in deeper columns attached to an RBS
connection, and enables the cyclic strength of the beam with an RBS connection to
be better sustained.
2. All of the specimens were able to satisfy the criteria in the AISC Seismic Provisions
(4) for qualifying the connection for seismic use.
3. A weaker panel zone in a deep column RBS connection will not develop as much
column twist and strength degradation as a connection with a stronger panel zone.
However, a weaker panel zone can significantly increase the potential for ductile
fracture of the connection (3). It is recommended that connections be designed with a
balanced panel zone strength condition.
4. A supplemental brace at the end of the RBS significantly reduced the transverse
movement of the beam flanges in the RBS and column twist that leads to cyclic
degradation in specimen capacity.
5. Basing the column torque on a transverse movement of the beam flange in the RBS
of 0.2bf for calculating column flange warping stresses appears to be conservative. A
new procedure for estimating the torsional load applied to the column due to the local
and lateral buckling in the RBS shows improvement in predicting the correct column
flange normal stress.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The research reported herein was supported by a grant from the American Institute of Steel
Construction (Mr. Tom Schlafly program manager) and from the Pennsylvania Department of
Community and Economic Development through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Technology
Alliance (PITA) program. The following companies donated materials for the experimental
testing conducted in this research project: Arcelor International America of New York, NY
(steel sections); Nucor Vulcraft Group of Chemung, NY (metal decking); and the Lincoln
Electric Company of Cleveland, OH (welding wire). The support provided by the funding
agencies and companies is greatly appreciated.
220
REFERENCES
(1)
Roeder, C. W. (2000). Connection Performance State of Art Report, Report No.

FEMA-355D, FEMA, Washington, D.C.
(2) Chi, B. and Uang, C.-M. (2002). Cyclic Response and Design Recommendations of
Reduced Beam Section Moment Connections with Deep Columns, Journal of
Structural Engineering, ASCE, 128(4): 464-473.
(3) Ricles, J., Zhang, X., Lu, L.W., and J. Fisher, (2004). Development of Seismic
Guidelines for Deep-Column Steel Moment Connections, ATLSS Report No. 04-13,
ATLSS Engineering Research Center, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA.
(4) Seismic Provisions for Structural Steel Buildings, (2002). American Institute of Steel
Construction, Chicago, Illinois.
(5) Engelhardt, M. D. (1999). The 1999 T. R. Higgins Lecture: Design of Reduced Beam
Section Moment Connections, Proceedings: 1999 North American Steel Construction
Conference, American Institute of Steel Construction, Toronto, Canada, pp. 1-1 to 1-29.
(6) Recommended Specifications and Quality Assurance Guidelines for Steel MomentFrame Construction for Seismic Applications, (2000). Report No. FEMA 353, Federal
Emergency Management Agency, Washington D. C.
(7) Structural Welding Code Steel, (2002). AWS D1.1/D1.1M:2002, American Welding
Society, Miami, Florida.
(8) Specification for Carbon Steel Electrodes for Flux Cored Arc Welding, (1995).
ANSI/AWS A5.20-95, American Welding Society, Miami, Florida.
(9) Manual of Steel Construction-Load and Resistance Factor Design, (2001). Third Ed.,
AISC, Chicago, Illinois.
(10) Seaburg, P., and C. Carter, (1997). Torsional Analysis of Structural Steel Members,
American Institute of Steel Construction Steel Design Guide Series, ASIC, Chicago,
Illinois.
221
222
BOLTED LINKS FOR ECCENTRICALLY BRACED STEEL FRAMES

A. Stratan, the Politehnica University of Timisoara, Romania
D. Dubina, the Politehnica University of Timisoara, Romania
ABSTRACT
Eccentrically braced steel frames represent a suitable solution for multi-storey
buildings located in seismic areas. A bolted connection between the link and
the beam is suggested to facilitate replacement of damaged dissipative zones
(links) after a moderate to strong earthquake, which reduces repair costs. A full
scale testing program was carried out in order to demonstrate the feasibility of
this concept and to evaluate the performance of bolted links. The paper
summarises the results of the testing program.
INTRODUCTION
Design of multi-storey structures in high-seismicity areas is usually based on dissipative
structural response, which accepts significant structural damage under the design
earthquake. It is believed however, that design criteria specified in modern seismic codes will
prevent structural collapse, ensuring life safe. The earthquakes of Loma Prieta (1989),
Northridge (1994) and Hyogoken-Nanbu (1995) showed that generally, modern structures
behaved as expected. However, the unexpectedly high economic losses following these
earthquakes urged for a limitation of damage to structures in future earthquakes, leading to
the development of Performance-Based Design (PBD), Hamburger, 1996 (1). Its objectives
include minimizing structural and non-structural damage under low and moderate earthquake
intensities, which is equivalent to reduction of the total cost (initial and repair).
ed
e
Figure 1. Bolted link concept.

On the other hand, capacity-based design, applied in most of the current seismic design
codes allows design of structures that promote plastic deformation in predefined areas only,
called dissipative zones. In the case of a bolted connection between dissipative zones and
the rest of the structure it is possible to replace the dissipative elements damaged as a result
of a moderate to strong earthquake, reducing the repair costs. Application of this philosophy
to eccentrically braced frames, where link elements serve as dissipative zones, is presented
in figure 1. The connection of the link to the beams is realized by a flush end-plate and highstrength bolts. Bolted connection allows he link element to be fabricated from a lower-yield
steel grade, assuring an elastic response of the elements outside removable link element.
This system may be applied to both homogeneous structures (eccentrically braced frames
alone) and dual ones (eccentrically braced spans combined with moment-resisting spans).
The latter system has the advantage of more uniform transient and smaller permanent lateral
displacements, which is beneficial for replacing damaged links, as well as for the building
function, Stratan and Dubina, 2002 (2). Extended end-plate bolted connections for
223
eccentrically braced frames with link-column connection configuration were previously

suggested and investigated experimentally by Ghobarah and Ramadan, 1994 (3). Their
inelastic performance was found to be similar to fully-welded connections.
EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM
Specimens and experimental set-up
An experimental program was carried out to determine cyclic performance of bolted links and
to check the feasibility of the suggested solution. The removable link was fabricated from
IPE240 profile of S235 grade steel, while the rest of the structure from S355 grade steel.
Four link lengths were considered (e=400, 500, 600 and 700 mm, see figure 1), to study the
influence of moment to shear force ratio. All links are classified as short ones according to
AISC, 1997 (4). Another parameter considered was the spacing of web stiffeners, provided to
prevent web buckling and to improve rotation capacity of the link. Two limit values of stiffener
spacing were considered to AISC, 1997 (4): "close" spacing - 30tw-h/5, for a rotation capacity
0.08 rad, and "rare" spacing - 52tw-h/5, for 0.02 rad rotation capacity.
support
actuator
link
Figure 2. Experimental set-up for removable bolted links.

For combination of link length and stiffener spacing, three specimens were tested: one
monotonically and two cyclically. A total of 24 specimens were thus obtained, each being
denoted as L[x][n]-[t], where: [x] L for "rare" spacing of stiffeners, H for "close" spacing of
stiffeners; [n] 7, 6, 5, 4 for link length; [t] m for monotonic, c1 for cyclic 1 and c2 for cyclic
2 specimens. Thus, LL7-m specimen is one with rare spacing of stiffeners (L) of length 700
mm (7), monotonically loaded (m). The complete ECCS 1985 (5) loading procedure was
applied, consisting of one monotonic and two cyclic tests. The monotonic test was used to
determine the yield force Fy and displacement Dy, at the intersection of the initial stiffness
and the tangent to the F-D curve having 10% of the initial stiffness. Yield displacement was
determined for each monotonic test with rare stiffeners, and used to apply cyclic loading to
the specimens of the same length. The cyclic tests consisted of four cycles in the elastic
range (0.25Dy, 0.5Dy, 0.75Dy and 1.0Dy), followed by groups of three cycles at
amplitudes multiple of 2Dy (3x2Dy, 3x4Dy, 3x6Dy, etc.) The loading was applied quasistatically, in displacement control. Bolts were preloaded to 100% of the full preload value for
friction-grip bolts in the case of the monotonically loaded (m) and the first of the cyclically
loaded (c1) specimens, and 50% for the second cyclically loaded specimen (c2).
Previous experimental research on beam-column joints with end plates, Dubina et al., 2000
(6) showed a series of problems that undermined their cyclic performance: (1) fillet welds are
inappropriate in the case of cyclic loading; (2) full-penetration 1/2V weld with the root at the
exterior part of the beam cross-section promotes fragile ruptures, due to cracks initiated at
weld root; (3) weld-access hole acts as a stress concentrator, causing brittle ruptures of the
224
beam flange. Welding details used for the link to end plate connection were chosen so as to
prevent the causes of poor performance mentioned above. Thus, link flange was welded to
the end plate with a full-penetration 1/2V weld, realised from the exterior part of the crosssection (weld root at the interior); the weld access hole was eliminated completely, and
reinforcing fillet weld was applied at the interior part of the flanges and on the web.
Table 1. Characteristics of the materials used for fabrication of removable link specimens.
component
IPE240 flange
IPE240 web
t=25
fy (Reh), N/mm2
268.0
337.8
250.8
fu, N/mm2
401.9
426.7
413.1
fu/fy
1.50
1.26
1.65
A, %
29.2
30.8
36.3
Standard tensile tests were performed on coupons extracted the materials used to fabricate
the link specimens. Results presented in table 1 revealed a higher yield strength of the web
in comparison with flanges of the link.
Design of connections
Bolted connection between the link element and the beam is located in a zone of maximum
stresses. There are two possible strategies for connection design. The first one is to provide
a sufficient overstrength of the connection over the link shear resistance. The second one is
to assure a ductile behaviour of the bolted connection itself. The former strategy was
followed in this case, as it facilitates replacement of damaged link elements.
Capacity design of the connection involves two steps: determination of the yield strength of
the dissipative element (link plastic shear resistance), and of the overstrength to allow for
strain hardening. Two design provisions available at the date of the experimental program
set-up were considered: Eurocode 8, 1994 (7) and AISC, 1997 (4). Though plastic shear
resistance is determined using similar formulations in the two codes, the European seismic
design provisions, referring to Eurocode 3 (8), consider the contribution of the fillet radius to
the shear area, resulting in a capacity 40% higher than the one of the American code, which
considers only the web area. The overstrength required for elements outside links also differ
substantially. Previous experimental research, Kasai and Popov, 1986 (9), indicated link
ultimate shear resistance about 1.5 times the plastic shear resistance. Eurocode 8 requires
an overstrength of only 1.2, while AISC 1997 results in overstrength factors between 1.38
and 1.88. Reduced overstrength factor in European codes is counterbalanced by higher
plastic shear resistance, the maximum shear force estimated to the two codes having similar
values. A relatively conservative estimation of maximum shear force was adopted in this
study (1.75 factor, applied to the web area, corresponding to a 1.25 factor applied to the
Eurocode 3 shear area):
Vmax = 1.75 Vy = ( h 2 tf ) tw fy / 3
(1)
Maximum moment for connection design was determined as:
Mmax = Vmax ed / 2
(2)
Design of connections to the forces determined to equations (1) and (2) was based on
Eurocode 3, 1997 and its Annex J (8). M20 gr.10.9 high-strength bolts were used. End plate
thickness (25 mm) was chosen so as to provide a mode 3 (bolts in tension) failure mode of
the equivalent T-stub, preventing excessive deformation of the end plate. A linear distribution
of bolt forces was then assumed, and the bolts checked for tension, shear, combined tension
and shear resistance, assuming a partial safety factor Mb=1.25. Demand to capacity ratio for
combined tension and shear ranged from 0.7 for the LH4 and LL4 specimens to 0.98 for the
LH7 and LL7 specimens. Additionally, bolt slip resistance was checked.
225
Data processing
The instrumentation consisted of the actuator load cell, and a series of displacement
transducers used to measure both absolute and relative displacements. The basic forcedisplacement relationship used to characterize the monotonic and cyclic response of bolted
links was actuator force (equal to link shear force) and total displacement DT, which includes
slip in connection and endplate deformations. Response of link elements is characterised by
the shear distortion angle - shear force F relation. For classical links, the distortion is
determined as the difference of end displacements divided to the link length, Engelhardt and
Popov, 1992 (10). With the notations from figure 3, is expressed as:
= DT / b
(3)
Assuming that the edges of the panel bounding the link remain straight after deformation, the
same angle may be determined from the deformations of the diagonals (DD1 and DD2):
a 2 + b 2 ( DD2 DD1)
(4)
2ab
+
2
D1
d+D
DT
(a)
2
DD
d+
-1
(b)
(c)
Figure 3. Deformation of a classical link (a), idealisation of the panel zone (b) and its
deformation (c).
DT
DALJ
DALS
(a)
(b)
Figure 4. Deformation of a bolted link (a) and its idealisation (b).

Values of angle determined according to equations (3) and (4) have close values in the
case of classical links. However, in the case of removable bolted links, the behaviour of the
link is more complex, and angle determined from equations (3) and (4) will be different.
Total link deformation is given by the sum of: (1) shear distortion of the link panel - , (2)
rotation in the two connections M=S+j, and (3) slip in the connections, characterised by the
equivalent rotation AL=(DALS+DALJ)/ed, and can be expressed as:
T = + M + AL
226
(5)
It can be directly obtained from the total displacement DT:
T = DT ed
(6)
Instrumentation permitted both direct (6) determination of characteristic deformations, and

indirect one (5), using the component deformations. A satisfactory correlation was observed
between the two methods.
BEHAVIOUR OF SPECIMENS
Strength characteristics obtained from nominal and measured geometry and strength are
presented in Table 2. Account was taken of the different flange and web yield strength in
determining the link plastic moment: M y = Wpl ,w fy ,w + Wpl * fy ,f .
Measured characteristics of steel showed higher increase of plastic shear force in
comparison with plastic moment, which caused a decrease of the 1.6My/Vy limit. Even so, the
links are classified as short. At the same time, maximum shear force and moment used for
connection design are considerably higher than the initial estimates based on nominal
characteristics. Connection strength was checked using estimates of maximum forces
determined from measured geometrical and mechanical characteristics, considering a partial
safety factor Mb=1.0 for the connection. Results indicated that the connection should have
responded in the elastic range, though with little reserve for the longer LL7 and LH7
specimens. However, at large displacements, both bolt failures and end-plate deformations
were observed during the tests. Two types of bolt failures were observed: (1) by thread
stripping, which results in a ductile response (dominant in this experimental program), and
(2) by fracture in bolt shank, which results in a brittle response.
Table 2. Yield and maximum forces evaluated from nominal and measured characteristics.
Wpl,
Wplw,
cm3
cm3
LH7, LL7 366.6 75.29
LH6, LL6 366.6 75.29
nominal
LH5, LL5 366.6 75.29
LH4, LL4 366.6 75.29
LH7, LL7 366.6 75.43
LH6, LL6 366.6 75.43
measured
LH5, LL5 366.6 75.43
LH4, LL4 366.6 75.43
Note: Mmax determined per equation (2)
specimen
400
Wpl*,
cm3
291.31
291.31
291.31
291.31
291.2
291.2
291.2
291.2
Vy, kN
185.4
185.4
185.4
185.4
266.7
266.7
266.7
266.7
400
LL7c1
1.6My/Vy,
mm
743
743
743
743
621
621
621
621
Vmax,
kN
278.1
278.1
278.1
278.1
400.1
400.1
400.1
400.1
Mmax,
kNm
83.4
69.5
55.6
41.7
120.0
100.0
80.0
60.0
LH7c1
200
F, kN
F, kN
200
My,
kNm
86.2
86.2
86.2
86.2
103.5
103.5
103.5
103.5
0
200
0
200
400
400
0.2
0.1
0
0.1
T, rad
0.2
0.2
0.1
0
0.1
T, rad
0.2
Figure 5. Force-total deformation relationship F-T for specimens LL7-c1 and LH7-c1.
227
Bolted connections had important contributions to the overall link response and in general did
not showed an elastic response. Connection suffered important degradations at the Lx7
specimens, and caused a pronounced pinching effect with a reduced energy dissipation
capacity (see figure 5). Element degradation started by bending of the end plate and bolt
thread stripping, followed by local buckling of link flanges and web. Closer stiffener spacing
had as main effect isolation of local flange and web buckling in outer web panels. Failure was
attained by complete degradation of bolt threads.
400
400
LL4c1
200
F, kN
F, kN
200
LH4c1
0
web
breathing
200
400
0
200
400
0.2
0.1
0
0.1
T, rad
0.2
0.2
0.1
0
0.1
T, rad
0.2
Figure 6. Force-total deformation relationship F-T for specimens LL4-c1 and LH4-c1.
(b)
(c)
(a)
Figure 7. Failure by connection degradation at the LH6-c2 specimen (a); plastic web buckling
at the LL4-c1 specimen (b), and strengthening of the brace to beam welded connection (c).
Smaller length of Lx6 reduced the damage to connections and the pinching behaviour.
Failure was attained by complete damage to bolts (see figure 7a), but also by web cracking
after repeated plastic web buckling in the case of LL6-c2 specimen, with rare stiffeners.
Starting with Lx5 specimens, connections were characterised by a more stable response,
plastic web buckling being more important and preceding the one of the flanges. Failure of
LL5-c1 and LL5-c2 specimens, with rare stiffeners, was attained by tearing of the web on
three edges, at the cracks initiated in the base metal at the web-stiffener and web-end plate
welds. Closer stiffener spacing in the case of LH5-c1 and LH5-c2 specimens reduced web
228
tearing due to severe and repeated buckling (but did not eliminate it completely), failure
being attained by damage of the connection.
Response of specimens from the Lx4 series was dominated by web shear. Connection had a
quasi-elastic response. Flange buckling was observed only after important web buckling.
Hysteretic response was characterised by "full" cycles with high energy dissipation capacity
(see figure 6). Due to higher web slenderness of the LL4-c1 and LL4-c2 specimens, web
buckling was pronounced, and plastic web "breathing" was observed, as web buckling wave
was changing direction at reversals of load direction (figure 6). Repeated buckling lead to
web tearing along the diagonals (see figure 7b). Close spacing of stiffeners at the LH4-c1
and LH4-c2 specimens prevented this phenomenon, failure initiating through web tearing
along the stiffener weld, which extended on three edges of the web.
High stresses are present at the beam to brace welded connection, next to the beam to link
bolted connection. Higher grade steel of the elements outside removable link did not provide
sufficient overstrength in this zone. Due to repeated cyclic loading, the lower beam to brace
welded connection fractured during the test of LL7-c1 specimen. Removing the weld and
applying a new weld did not help, and the lower beam-brace assembly was completely
replaced to due to extensive damage in the zone between the lower connection and the
brace. To mitigate this problem after similar failure of the new subassembly during testing of
the LL6-c1 specimen, stiffeners were added in the affected zone to increase the shear area
and provide a smooth transfer of stresses from the bolted link element to the brace and the
beam (see figure 7c). The performance of the subassembly modified in this way was
satisfactory for the rest of tests.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS
Elastic response of links was characterised by the total initial stiffness KT, determined from
V-T relationship, as well as shear stiffness of the web K, stiffness of connections KJ and
KS, determined from M-J, and M-S relationships. Initial shear stiffness of the link (K) was in
good correlation with the theoretical one (Kth=GAs), and not influenced much by the different
considered test parameters. There was an important scatter in experimental values of
connection rotational stiffness. Full preloading increased the stiffness of connection by
approximately 50%. Upper connection resulted more flexible in comparison with the lower
connection. Unsymmetrical distribution of moments and lack of fit at the upper connection
may be attributed to this behaviour. Reduction of total initial stiffness of the bolted link in
comparison with the classical solution is important, as a result of both the semi-rigid endplate, and slip in the connection. Therefore, either explicit modelling of the semi-rigid
connection behaviour, or consideration of an equivalent link stiffness is necessary for global
analysis of frames with bolted links.
Table 3. Yield Vy and maximum Vmax shear forces.
parameter
Vyth, kN
specimen
LL7
LL6
LL5
LL4
LH7
LH6
266.7*
m
228.0
209.0
189.5
191.0
201.6
217.8
Vy, kN
c1
234.8
218.3
245.0
174.4
227.4
212.9
c2
216.5
216.9
175.4
223.7
211.1
222.2
Vmaxth, kN
400.1**
m
304.9
333.3
348.1
388.3
270.1
307.5
Vmax, kN
c1
296.9
308.4
343.3
360.9
305.2
318.5
c2
289.6
313.9
355.7
362.5
301.6
324.4
Note: average of positive and negative values presented for specimens c1 and c2
* plastic shear resistance based on measured geometry and yield strength
** Vmaxth=1.5Vyth
LH5
LH4
198.2
229.6
231.5
201.5
236.6
249.0
352.5
364.1
364.0
420.6
400.6
402.9
229
Connection slip was defined when relative displacement between the end plates of a
connection exceeded 0.15 mm, according to C133/82 (11). The only specimen that did not
slip was the first tested LL7-m. Slip resistance of the connection was reduced by cyclic
loading and partial preload of bolts, rendering ineffective limitation of slip deformations.
Yield force determined from V-DT relationship was not influenced by the test parameters and
was controlled by shear response of the web. Lower experimental values (see table 3) are
partially explained by the procedure used to determine yield force, which underestimates it
for high initial stiffness. On the other hand, experimental maximum force presents an
increase from the longer to the shorter links (effect of connection strength) and is higher for
closer stiffeners (prevention of web plastic buckling).
The maximum moment determined from equation (2) was lower than the theoretical one
used to design the connections. Poor performance of connections could be explained by the
fact that vertical displacement in the experimental set-up was constrained, which generated
supplementary tension in the connections at large displacements. Further research is
needed to validate this assumption and to check its application to real structures. Following
the experimental observations in this study, in order to reduce damage in bolted connections,
it is recommended to limit the length of bolted links to ed 0.8 My Vy , which corresponds to
links LL4 and LH4.
Table 4. Ultimate displacement DTu and corresponding deformationTu.
specimen
LL7
LL6
LL5
LL4
LH7
LH6
m
93.0
136.6
144.2
118.4
140.8
138.8
DTu,
c1
58.1
64.4
42.3
30.4
68.4
71.7
mm
c2
55.4
66.3
62.5
33.5
65.5
68.2
m
0.155
0.273
0.360
0.395
0.235
0.278
c1
0.097
0.129
0.106
0.101
0.114
0.143
Tu
c2
0.092
0.133
0.156
0.112
0.109
0.136
Note: minimum of positive and negative values presented for c1 and c2 specimens
LH5
137.9
58.6
72.8
0.345
0.147
0.182
LH4
125.9
37.8
37.6
0.420
0.126
0.125
Ultimate link displacement DTu, representing the stable hysteretic response is presented in
table 4. Cyclic loading reduced by 40% to 70% rotation capacity, with the maximum reduction
for short links. A slight reduction of ultimate displacements was observed for short links. In
terms of deformations (Tu), rotation capacity increases slightly for shorter links, with the
exception of LL4 and LH4 specimens. With the exception of longer links with rare stiffeners
(LL7), specimens showed a stable deformation capacity of at least 0.1 rad. Ductilities larger
than 10 were observed, with a number of 16 to 22 cycles in the plastic range. Bolt preloading
did not affect rotation capacity, as oppose to closer spacing of stiffeners, which improved link
deformation capacity.
Behaviour of long specimens was much influenced by the response of the bolted connection,
characterised by a gradual reduction of strength due to bolt thread stripping, and a pinching
cyclic response. The latter effect reduced the energy dissipated in the group of cycles of
constant amplitude. Full bolt preloading reduced partially this effect. Response of short
specimens was controlled by the shear of the link web, characterised by important hardening
and energy dissipation capacity, but a more rapid degradation of strength after web tearing.
Stiffener spacing had maximum importance for short links. Their effect was to limit plastic
local buckling of the web, increasing the maximum force and deformation capacity, and
providing a more stable cyclic response. However, after the attainment of ultimate
deformation, failure of LH4 specimens was more rapid in comparison with LL4 specimens.
Distribution of ductility demands between end pate and link web resulted in improved overall
deformation capacity in comparison with "pure" failure modes, determined by concentration
of plastic deformations in connection or web alone. This effect is characteristic of
230
intermediate length specimens LL6-LL5 and LH6-LH5. However, it is difficult to achieve this
response in practice, due to variability of mechanical characteristics of structural steels.
CONCLUSIONS
Experimental investigations on removable bolted links demonstrated the technological

feasibility of the solution. Performance of short removable links and possibility to be easily
replaced makes them attractive for dual eccentrically braced frames. Very short links, that
assure an elastic behaviour of the connection are preferred, due to much easier replacement
of damaged links. Concentration of damage in the removable link (performing like passive
energy dissipation devices) may be accomplished by the capacity design principles, including
fabrication of the link from a steel with lower yield strength in comparison with rest of the
structure. The beam zone between the link end plate and brace is subject to high stresses,
therefore its reinforcement by stiffeners is recommended. Welding details between the link
and end plate showed a very good performance, which is attributed to: (1) elimination of weld
access hole; (2) full penetration weld in 1/2V between the link flange and end plate, realised
from the exterior of the profile; (3) a fillet weld on the interior contour (web and flanges) of the
cross-section. Lack of weld access hole has the advantage of reduced fabrication cost in
addition to higher connection performance.
Longer links and closer stiffener spacing imposed higher demands on the connection. Cyclic
response elements for which connection represented the weaker element were characterised
by: (1) a reduction of maximum force in comparison with elements dominate by web shear;
(2) a pinching behaviour with stiffness and strength degradation in cycles of constant
amplitude; (3) failure by gradual strength degradation due to bolt thread stripping. Post
elastic connection response was ductile, due to thread stripping. This failure mode is not
generally characteristic for bolts. Bolt failure by shank rupture would have caused a more
brittle response of long links.
Response of short links was governed by web shear, stiffener spacing being important for
their performance. In the case of rare spacing of stiffeners, inelastic response of short links
was determined by plastic web buckling, which lead to strength degradation by alternative
buckling in the direction of the two diagonals. Closer stiffener spacing limited plastic web
buckling, leading to: (1) attainment of the maximum possible shear strength; (2) a stable
hysteretic response; (3) a larger rotation capacity, but also (4) a more rapid failure by web
tearing on the panel edges.
With the exception of very short links, connections were partial-strength. On the basis of
present experimental program, in order to prevent excessive connection damage, it is
recommended to limit link length ed to 0.8My/Vy. Design strength of short removable links
limited to this length may be computed as for classical short links. Full bolt preloading
resulted in higher initial stiffness, a more stable hysteretic response and a larger deformation
capacity, and therefore is recommended for removable short links. Semi-rigid connections
with flush end plate reduce substantially initial stiffness of removable short links in
comparison with classical solution. Global analysis of eccentrically braced frames with
removable links requires either explicit modelling semi-rigid connections, or consideration of
an equivalent shear stiffness of the removable link.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Support of the Romanian National Education Ministry (MEC-CNCSIS) and World Bank
through the C16 Grant Reliability of Buildings Located in Strong Seismic Areas in Romania"
and MEC-CNCSIS grant AT10/218 "Seismic response of dual eccentrically braced frames
with removable links" is gratefully acknowledged.
231
NOTATION
e, ed
tf, tw, h
Dy, Fy
fy (Reh), fu, A
Vy , My
Vmax, Mmax
Mb
DT
a, b
AL
M, S, j
T
DD1, DD2
DALJ, DALS
fy,w, fy,f
Wpl,w, W*pl
KT, K, KJ and KS
DTu, Tu
clear length of the link between braces, and length of the bolted link
flange thickness, web thickness, and cross-section height
yield displacement, yield force
(upper) yield stress, tensile strength, elongation at rupture
plastic shear resistance, plastic moment
maximum shear force, maximum moment
partial safety factor for bolt resistance
total link displacement
link panel dimensions
link shear distortion angle
equivalent link rotation angle due to connection slip
average, bottom, and top connection rotation
total link distortion angle
measurements of link diagonal displacement transducers
measurements of link slip displacement transducers
web and flange yield stress
plastic modulus of the web and flanges (W*pl = Wpl - Wpl,w, Wpl)
total initial, web shear, and connection stiffness
ultimate displacement, ultimate deformation
REFERENCES
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
(11)
232
Hamburger, R.O. (1996). "Implementing performance-based seismic design in

structural engineering practice". In: Proceedings of 11th World Conference on
Earthquake Engineering, Acapulco, Mexico. Paper no. 2121. Oxford: Pergamon.
Stratan, A., and Dubina, D. (2002). "Control of performance of dual frames with
eccentric bracing", Proc. Stability and Ductility of Steel Structures SDSS 2002,
Budapest, Hungary, 26-28 september 2002.
Ghobarah, A. and Ramadan, T. (1994). "Bolted link-column joints in eccentrically
braced frames". Engineering Structures, Vol.16 No.1: 33-41.
AISC-97, (1997). "Seismic Provisions for Structural Steel Buildings". American
Institute of Steel Construction, Inc. Chicago, Illinois, USA.
ECCS (1985). "Recommended Testing Procedures for Assessing the Behaviour of
Structural Elements under Cyclic Loads", European Convention for Constructional
Steelwork, Technical Committee 1, TWG 1.3 Seismic Design, No.45
Dubina, D., Ciutina, A., Stratan, A., (2000). "Cyclic Tests on Bolted Steel Double
Sided Beam-to-Column Joints". The International Workshop Connections in Steel
Structures IV: Steel Connections in the New Millenium. October 22-25, 2000,
Roanoke, Virginia, USA.
Eurocode 8 (1994). "Design provisions for earthquake resistance of structures". CEN
European Committee for Standardisation.
Eurocode 3 (1997). "Design of steel structures. Part 1-1: General Rules and Rules for
Buildings ", CEN. European Committee for Standardisation.
Kasai, K., and Popov, E.P., (1986). "General Behaviour of WF Steel Shear Link
Beams", ASCE, Journal of Structural Engineering, Vol.112, No.2: 362-381.
Engelhardt, M.D. and Popov, E.P. (1992). "Experimental performance of long links in
eccentrically braced frames". Journal of Structural Engineering, Vol.188, No.11:30673088.
C133/82 (1982). "Technical guide for connections id steel structures with high
strength friction grip bolts ". ICB, INCERC (in Romanian).

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EFFECT OF COLUMN STIFFENER DETAILING AND WELD

FRACTURE TOUGHNESS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF WELDED

Connections in Steel Structures V - Amsterdam - June 3-4, 2004

Yield strength of the girder flange,

Connections in Steel Structures V - Amsterdam - June 3-4, 2004

column stiffeners in steel moment connections (3).

Connections in Steel Structures V - Amsterdam - June 3-4, 2004

Connections in Steel Structures V - Amsterdam - June 3-4, 2004

E71T-8 (Lincoln Innershield NR-232) wire for the other specimens.

Connections in Steel Structures V - Amsterdam - June 3-4, 2004

Connections in Steel Structures V - Amsterdam - June 3-4, 2004

Connections in Steel Structures V - Amsterdam - June 3-4, 2004

Connections in Steel Structures V - Amsterdam - June 3-4, 2004

Strain Range [%]

Connections in Steel Structures V - Amsterdam - June 3-4, 2004

Connections in Steel Structures V - Amsterdam - June 3-4, 2004

Northridge Reconnaissance Team (1996). Northridge Earthquake of January 17, 1994,

Connections in Steel Structures V - Amsterdam - June 3-4, 2004

Connections in Steel Structures V - Amsterdam - June 3-4, 2004

Connections in Steel Structures V - Amsterdam - June 3-4, 2004

Connections in Steel Structures V - Amsterdam - June 3-4, 2004

ANALYSIS OF BOLTED END-PLATE JOINTS: CYCLIC TEST AND

Connections in Steel Structures V - Amsterdam - June 3-4, 2004

Specimens, test arrangement

Table1. Details of the specimen

Composite member II.

Figure 2. Test arrangement.

Connections in Steel Structures V - Amsterdam - June 3-4, 2004

b) Specimen after failure

b) Specimen after failure

Connections in Steel Structures V - Amsterdam - June 3-4, 2004

Connections in Steel Structures V - Amsterdam - June 3-4, 2004

Review of the EC3 design method

Figure 8. Moment resistance of composite section.

Comparison of design and experimental results

Connections in Steel Structures V - Amsterdam - June 3-4, 2004

mod. EC3 results

mod. EC3 results

-25 -20 -15 -10

Figure 13. Moment resistance by EC3 and modified EC3 method.

a) Bolt grade effect

Connections in Steel Structures V - Amsterdam - June 3-4, 2004

a) Effect of flange thickness

a) Effect of stiffness coefficients

Connections in Steel Structures V - Amsterdam - June 3-4, 2004

: the tensile stress area of the bolt or of the anchor bolt,

: location of the bolts

Connections in Steel Structures V - Amsterdam - June 3-4, 2004

ROTATIONAL CAPACITY AND DEMAND IN TOP-AND-SEAT ANGLE

Connections in Steel Structures V - Amsterdam - June 3-4, 2004

Total Rotation (rad)

Figure 1. Moment-rotation curve for FS-01.

Total Rotation (rad)

Figure 2. Moment-rotation curve for FS-02.

Connections in Steel Structures V - Amsterdam - June 3-4, 2004

ts (thickness of seat angle) ta (thickness of web angle)

Figure 3. Definition of geometric parameters.

Connections in Steel Structures V - Amsterdam - June 3-4, 2004

Fry and Morris (1975)

Ang and Morris (1984)

C1=8.46 x 10-4, C2=1.01 x 10-4

o=5.17 x 10-3 , (KM)o=745.94

-1.5 -0.5 -1.1 -0.7

-1.06 -0.54 -1.28 -0.85