Seismic Performance of Beam-to-column Weak-axis Moment Connection of Small-size Steel Structure

Abstract

-Cyclic loading tests for beam-to-column weak-axis connections were performed to investigate the seismic performance. In this study, the connections were developed to improve the constructability on the basis of investigation for existing small-size steel structures. The primary test parameter is the number of high-tension bolts which are used to connect steel beam and column using exterior and interior flange plates. Test results showed that the number of bolts had a significant effect on the cyclic behavior of beam-column weak-axis connections. From the analysis of test results, it is concluded that more than four bolts in the connections can satisfy the requirements of semi-rigid connection presented in current design codes. All of specimens showed the bearing failure around bolt holes and fracture at the beam flange. However, when the web height and the flange width is relatively small, the number of the bolts used in the connections might be limited. Thus, the additional research in this area is needed.

Bidirectional Response of Weak-Axis End-plate Moment Connections: Numerical Approach

“…The requirements established in the seismic provisions were satisfied. An evaluation of seismic performance in weak-axis moment connections with high-tension bolts was developed by [9]. The significant effect of high-tension bolts in the cyclic response of weak-axis moment connections was observed.…”