An evaluation of slenderness limitations of H-beams for special moment connections

Abstract

This paper presents the results of seismic connection testing and finite element analyses (FEA) on the slenderness limitations of steel H-beams in special moment-frame (SMF) connections. The effectiveness of FEA models was first validated by the full-scale testing of a reduced-web-section (RWS) connection, and a post-earthquake bolted-web-welded-flange (BWWF) connection. FEA simulations were then performed to study the beam section properties and seismic connection performance. The result shows that if a H-beam has a compact section, the adopted connection will develop strength and ductility meeting the AISC seismic requirements, even though the plastic section modulus ratio between the beam flanges and whole section is less than 70%. The result also suggests the effectiveness of adding a web opening to a BWWF connection. These findings call for a re-examination of the requirements of highly ductile members in SMF connections.