Seismic performance of spatial beam-column connections in steel frame

Abstract

This paper presents a developed spatial beam-column connection in steel frame which is suitable for widely used H-section column and beam. To provide a first insight into the hysteretic responses of the proposed spatial connections, a numerical comparative analysis was conducted for the proposed connections and also the traditional connections after verifying the validity of the finite element methods. The normalized moment versus the story drift rotation hysteretic loops, energy dissipation capacity, failure modes, Mises index (MI), triaxiality index (TI) and rupture index (RI) distribution at the beam flange welds were discussed in detail. The proposed connection could significantly improve the hysteretic performance of the strong–axis connections and also the weak-axis connections in terms of the stiffness, strength, energy dissipation capacity, and could effectively move the beam plastic hinges away from the beam-column interface. The proposed spatial connection has the characteristics of “strong connection and weak member”. The spatial loading exerted negligible effects on the structural behavior of the beam-column connections for the considered sizes and loading methods. It is recommended that the anti-lamellar tearing steel plate could be used for the side plates in the proposed connections to prevent the tearing fracture.