Seismic performance of weak-axis moment connections with reduced panel zone

Abstract

The panel zone is one of the most important elements contributing to energy dissipation in steel beam-to-column connections. While many studies have been conducted on the contribution of panel zone to energy dissipation in beam-to-column connections with a strong axis, there is no study for beam-to-column connections with a weak axis. In this study, the seismic performance of weak axis beam-to-column connection with weakened column panel zone was investigated using European profiles and S275JR steel grade. For this purpose, three full-scale specimens were designed and investigated under cyclic loading. Specimens with weakened and unweakened column panels were compared in terms of stiffness, strength, and energy dissipation. The moment-rotation graphs obtained from the experimental study were compared with the finite element analysis results, and these two yielded similar results. Test results show that allowing limited plasticization in the weak-axis panel zone provides satisfactory energy dissipation and contributes to the seismic performance of the connection. In addition, it was aimed to examine the performance changes in the connection after severe damage. The weakened weak axis beam-to-column connections exhibited remarkable performance in terms of stiffness, moment capacity, and energy dissipation even after heavy damage.