There have been several studies on analyses using finely meshed finite‐element (FE) models to understand in detail the behaviors of buildings during severe earthquakes. The accuracy of such analyses is often validated by comparing the results to the corresponding full‐scale shaking‐table test. While this approach is highly successful in terms of accuracy, no studies have considered the effect of fractures of members. In this study, numerical analyses are conducted for a steel structure subjected to multiple series of excitations in a full‐scale shaking‐table test considering fractures. The structure is modeled with planar and solid finite elements, and the fracture is treated by the mandatory deletion of elements at the time at which the fracture is observed in the experiment. The results show that by considering the fracture of steel members with the deletion of elements, the history of input excitations, and the resulting damages, the behaviors can be simulated analytically with a much higher accuracy.

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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.

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