No abstract

This research was performed to develop a deeper understanding in the effects of joint panel shear deformation on elasto-plastic behavior of the beam-to-column connections. Fourteen full-scale beam-to-column subassemblies were experimentally tested under cyclic loading and results are reported. Main parameters in this investigation were the joint panel strength ratio, weld joint detail, material toughness and column flange width to thickness ratio. It is shown that for each series of specimens with same failure mode of beam fracture, beam cumulative plastic rotation capacity was not strongly affected by joint panel strength ratio. Experimental test results revealed that the total cumulative plastic rotation capacity was increased by reduction of joint panel strength ratio. Even weak panel specimens with heavy flange column section, could show high amount of cumulative total plastic rotation capacity at a level comparable to other weak panel specimens.

No abstract

Following the observation of damages in experimental tests of fourteen full-scale beam-to-column sub-assemblies, this numerical investigation was conducted to understand the effect of joint panel strength ratio on crack initiation at hot spots. In order to study the stress and strain condition at hot spots, finite element analysis was performed using sub-modeling method. By comparison of crack indexes, it was evident that weak panel specimens are less critical for cracking compared to balanced and strong panel specimens. In balanced and strong panel specimens, the highest crack index was obtained for root of the weld access hole compared to other hot spots. In weak panel specimens, near same crack index was shown for all hot spots, however, experimental test observations revealed that root of the weld access hole is the most critical hot spot for cracking.