Improving a Conventional Connection of Beam-to-Weak Axis of H-shaped Column to Modify Load Path in Panel Zone

Abstract

This study aims to propose an improvement to the conventional connection of beam-to-weak axis of H-shaped columns with in-plane load paths and to compare the improved connection with the conventional one. The conventional connection detail consists of continuity plates and face plates, while the improved connection detail, in addition to the previous components, has a plate perpendicular to the column web (middle panel zone) acting as a panel zone. A numerical study using ABAQUS was conducted, and the study results showed that the most appropriate value for the middle panel zone thickness is equal to the column flange thickness, and it should be designed for 30% of the force demand induced by the beam bending moments. Furthermore, the study findings indicated that the proposed connection resulted in an average of 59.5% decrease in the force demands induced to the panel zone in comparison with the conventional connection. In addition, it was observed that the force demand on the face plate experienced the most decrease due to reducing the out-of-plane performance of the face plate in the improved connection models. Moreover, the results showed that the improved connection models experienced lower levels of von Mises stress, approximately 35.7% less than the conventional connection models.