Experimental Study on Seismic Behavior of Cold-Formed Square Tube Beam-Column Connection with Welded Haunch

Abstract

The cold-formed thin-walled tube has been widely applied in high seismic fortification intensity region and post-seismic reconstruction area because of light quality, high strength and small deformation. But the connection mode and mechanical properties of beam-column connections still need further study. According to the "strong column and weak beam" seismic design principle and the thinking of control the position of plastic hinge, adding haunch slabs at the end of beam to reduce the number of repeated welding and avoid brittle fracture. Through the low cyclic loading experiment, four beam-column connections with welded haunch under different axial compression ratios have been studied, and connection’s hysteretic performance, energy-dissipating capacity, bearing capacity, rigidity and failure mode have been discussed. The result shows that: 1) the ultimate bearing capacity of connection with welded haunch is much great, and the energy dissipation capacity is very well, which can make this connection to absorb and consume great energy in earthquake. This connection can meet the need of seismic design very well. 2) The connection with welded haunch experiences much cycling time, has long yield platform after yield, has great cumulative energy-dissipating capacity and well ductility. 3) the final destruction of connection with welded haunch is caused by the beam’s local buckling. And the yield surface is almost located at the outside of connections. 4) The axial compression ratios has great effect on the hysteretic performance, bearing capacity and stiffness degradation for the connection with welded haunch.