Investigation of Steel Column–Baseplate Connection Details Incorporating Ductile Anchors

Abstract

It is widely accepted that the behavior of steel column–baseplate connections will profoundly impact the seismic response of steel buildings and other structures. Previous investigations into moment-frame steel column–baseplate connections have focused on the relationship between global metrics such as connection strength and stiffness to basic design parameters such as anchor arrangement and size, baseplate thickness, and column size. However, there is growing recognition that other details, such as the column setting method, baseplate hole size, anchor material selection, and anchor stretch length may significantly affect connection performance. This paper describes nine full-scale connection tests exploring the effects of such details on strength, rotation capacity, and postyield behavior. A comparison of the present with a prior test program on the basis of physical damage evolution and moment-rotation behavior is undertaken. The baseplate setting arrangement and anchor stretch length were found to have the most pronounced impact on the connection cyclic moment-rotation response. Suggestions for connection details that promote connection robustness, ductility, and strength are presented.