Beam Flange Research Articles

Experimental and numerical investigation of steel–concrete composite beam subjected to contact explosion

The steel–concrete composite beam, consisting of a concrete slab, a steel beam, and shear connectors, is extensively utilized in bridge engineering due to its effective utilization of material properties and convenient construction. Considering the significant impact of explosive incidents on bridge safety, and the limited experimental research on blast performance of composite beams, this study tested three small-scale SC composite beams arranged with commonly used shear connectors, including studs, PBL ribs, and combination connectors, under contact explosion with 200 g of TNT. Finite element (FE) models, validated by the experimental data, were established to conduct damage analysis to understand the damage mode and characteristics of SC composite beams. The results showed that the SC composite beams exhibit a localized damage pattern concentrated in the mid-span of the beams under contact explosions. The concrete spalling on the bottom surfaces could be divided into two parts by the top flange of the steel beam. The concrete slab, which absorbs more than 94 % of the total internal energy of the SC composite beams, plays the most important role in reducing the damage to the beams under contact explosion. In some aspects, the type of shear connectors influences the crack pattern, concrete spalling degree, the deformation of the steel beam, and the difference in acceleration response between the concrete slab and steel beam, but on the whole, it has a limited effect on the damage mode and degree of SC composite beams subjected to contact explosion.

Analytical modeling of stress concentration in composite box girders

In several structures/structural forms, including box beams, T-beams, U-beams, box girders, and tubular buildings, the stress concentration caused by the shear lag effect reduces their load-resisting capacity. The energy method has been proven to be more effective in analyzing the shear lag effect in these structures. Utilizing the minimum potential energy principle, this study illustrates a simplified approach to assessing stress concentration in composite box girders. Based on boundary conditions and shear loading conditions, closed form solutions are obtained for normal stresses and deflection. The present research results are verified with finite element analysis results and literature, demonstrating the robustness of the methodology. A composite box girder can be analyzed using the present approach under any support and loading conditions, taking material properties into account. To increase composite box girders’ load carrying capacity, additional layers of material are generally added to the flange. When retrofitting a box girder in this way, cross-sectional flexural rigidity is trivially improved. The additional layer of material on the flange of the box girder may reduce stress concentrations caused by the shear lag effect when it improves the shear flow capacity (SFC) of the flange. Shear flow parameter (Γ) measures flange shear flow capacity. The flange SFC increases significantly for a core/layer with a ratio of elastic modulus to shear modulus (E c /G c ) up to 1.26. When E c /G c rises even further, the flange SFC decreases. A composite box beam may have enhanced flange stiffness, with cores/layers having E c /G c ratios up to 2.86 and stress concentrations similar to that of a box beam without a core/layer. In composite box beams with a low aspect ratio, considering only flexural deformation in the core/layer augments the stress concentrations significantly. Deflection and negative shear lag are reduced significantly when the composite box beam flange has a high SFC.

Seismic behavior of reduced beam section joints considering concrete floor effect

SummaryThis study investigates the seismic impact of concrete floors on reduced beam section beam‐to‐column joints through four quasi‐static cyclic tests. We examine mechanical properties, failure modes, and processes against specific criteria. Additionally, we analyze hysteretic response, energy dissipation, stiffness, capacity, and stress–strain mechanisms. Moreover, the ABAQUS platform was used to reproduce the specimen nonlinear finite element model to compare and analyze the test results. The results showed that the specimens exhibit excellent energy dissipation capacity and ductility (with a coefficient of 5.00); the column‐bar connection characteristics affect the maximum capacity and plastic hinge behavior in the reduced beam area. The reduced section of beam's upper flange could not improve the overall seismic performance of the joint. The observed failure sequence is as follows: concrete floor cracking, beam flange yielding, reinforcement fracture, lower flange yielding in the reduced beam area, and overall joint failure. This sequence confirms that the joint fulfills the design criteria of a “strong column‐weak beam” by achieving the target of plastic hinge outward movement.

Elastic Local Buckling and Width-to-Thickness Limits of I-Beams Incorporating Flange–Web Interactions

The local buckling of I-section beams is investigated with the flange–web interactions taken into account. Using numerical results employing the finite element method and a semi-analytical method, the flange–web interactions of I-sections and their effects on the buckling stresses are explored and discussed. Simple approximate solutions for the buckling coefficients of the web and compressive flange are developed using the energy method, and they are refined using the numerical results. Using the simple solutions for buckling coefficients, the limits for the width-to-thickness ratio of the compressive flange and web of I-section beams are then proposed. Comparisons with the results of existing solutions and provisions in design codes imply that the proposed solutions are superior in predicting the limits for width-to-thickness ratios, and they are capable of accounting for the flange–web interactions at the local buckling of I-section beams.

Design method of irregular-shaped concrete-filled steel tube column joints with inner semi-diaphragm

This paper studies the mechanical behavior and design method of the irregular-shaped concrete-filled steel tube column to H-shaped steel beam joints with inner semi-diaphragm (ICFSTC-Joint) by numerical and theoretical investigation. ICFSTC-Joint was proposed and tested in the authors’ previous paper, which can be adopted in steel-concrete composite structures. Firstly, the tensile and compressive bearing capacity of ICFSTC-Joint under the tension or compression of a single beam flange is investigated. Secondly, based on the tensile and compressive bearing capacity, the bending capacity of the ICFSTC-Joint under the bending exerted by a complete H-shaped beam is investigated. Finally, the interaction between multiple ICFSTC-Joints is considered. The FE model verified by the hysteretic experiment of ICFSTC-Joint is adopted in the parameter analysis. The parameter analysis involves the height of beam, width and thickness of beam flange, height and thickness of diaphragm, thickness of column wall, length of column limb and axial compressive ratio. Based on the parameter analysis results, the mechanical models of ICFSTC-Joint under various conditions are established. The complete set of design method as well as some constructional requirements are finally established through the theoretical derivation of mechanical models and fitting the FE investigation results and exhibit good precision.

Experimental study on the seismic behavior of an innovative stepped beam-column joint

Achieving favorable seismic performance in joints while maintaining flush alignment on the upper and lower surfaces of the beam flanges remains a current challenge. To address this issue, this paper introduces an innovative stepped beam-column joint. To study the seismic performance of the joint, four beam-column joint specimens with different configurations were tested under cyclic loading. The plastic development process, failure modes, hysteresis loops, skeleton curves, stiffness degradation, ductility, load-bearing capacity, and energy dissipation capacity of the joint specimens were carefully investigated. All joint specimens exhibited superior seismic performance and load-bearing capacity. Moreover, variations in plate configurations led to discrepancies in the final failure modes among different joint specimens. Finally, finite element models were established and verified for each joint specimen, and analyses of the tensile forces on outer bolts were conducted. Through the experimental and numerical analysis results, it was concluded that the proposed innovative stepped joint could exhibit excellent seismic performance, and could be recommended for practical application in engineering.

Behavior and design of steel beam to multi-celled corrugated-plate CFST wall joints

In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the utilization of multi-celled corrugated-plate CFST (MC-CFST) walls. In this paper, a connection joint between a steel beam and an MC-CFST wall was proposed. The joint consisted of MC-CFST walls, end columns, horizontal diaphragms, vertical plates, and steel beams, with each steel component being interconnected through welding. To investigate its mechanical properties, a refined finite element model was developed, and the accuracy of the modeling method was validated through existing test results. The stiffness and moment capacity of the joints were analyzed, focusing on the effects of various factors, including the insertion depth of the horizontal diaphragm, beam-to-column linear stiffness ratio, width-to-thickness ratio of the end column plate, diameter of the horizontal diaphragm opening, axial compression ratio, and concrete and steel strengths. Based on numerical and theoretical analyses, a calculation method for determining the moment capacity of the joint and establishing the lower limit value for the steel tube thickness of the end columns was proposed by using the yield line analysis. The predicted value of the moment capacity of the joint was found to deviate from the finite element result by no more than 10%, suggesting that the formula exhibited excellent accuracy and applicability. The minimum steel tube thickness of the end columns was determined by considering the yield of the beam flange section. The design method presented in this paper has the potential to offer a valuable reference for practical designs of the proposed connection joint.

Failure mechanisms of hexagonal-shaped intra-module connections in modular steel building

Modular construction has gained popularity for its cost-effectiveness, time savings, and environmental benefits. This research delves into innovating modular buildings to enhance their aesthetic value in contemporary architectural designs. Traditional rectangular modules have lost architectural significance in the modern era. The study focuses on the failure mechanisms of hexagonal intra-module connections under nonlinear static analysis, aiming for advanced structural design and performance in modular construction. The study tested a control model, a Welded Flange Bolted Web (WFBW) connection, and three variations with different parameters: boundary condition, bolt arrangement, and steel grade. For the boundary condition, the tie constraint between the beam's flanges and the diaphragm was removed. Bolt arrangement was assessed with staggered and non-staggered bolts. Steel grade variations included S275 and S355. Results showed that the WFBW connection outperformed the Bolted Web (BW) connection in load resistance. The most damaged component was the beam, with bearing failure at the upper bolt hole. Non-staggered bolts exhibited larger displacements than staggered bolts. The study emphasized the significance of steel material strength in terms of stress and strain on bolt capacity. It highlights the importance of intra-module connections in modular steel structures and the need to consider design parameters carefully. The findings offer insights into improving modular connections' performance and failure mechanisms, facilitating the creation of aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound modular structures. This nonlinear static analysis aids in developing advanced modular construction designs, enhancing architectural significance in the modern era. By merging structural performance and aesthetics, the study promotes innovative modular construction to meet contemporary architectural demands.

Nominal stresses in continuous and intermittent rail welds of crane runway beams

Crane runway beams of hot-rolled I sections are frequently the supporting structures of top-running overhead bridge cranes. In case of light crane service, the crane rails are usually fastened to the top flange of the crane runway beams by fillet welds. A survey among steel construction companies revealed that continuous rail welds as well as intermittent rail welds are commonly used. The rail welds are subject to multiaxial fatigue since they are exposed to normal and shear stresses due to the local wheel load introduction and global bending. Currently, the design standards EN 1993-1-9 (2005) and EN 1993-6 (2007) neither provide an appropriate detail category nor a nominal stress formula for rail welds. The paper focuses on the calculation of the nominal stresses in rail welds as basis of the fatigue action effect within the nominal stress method. It describes the differences in the nominal stresses of continuous and intermittent rail welds because of the contact between rail and top flange that has to be assumed for intermittent rail welds. Based on work samples, the contact conditions of intermittent rail welds are characterized as ‚technical contact‘ (in contrast to ‚ideal contact‘) due to imperfections within the contact surfaces that are described in detail. A Finite Element model is presented that accounts for the ‚technical contact‘ between rail and flange. This model is analyzed in a parametric study to identify the decisive parameters on the nominal stresses in intermittent rail welds.

Four-Bolt Unstiffened End-Plate Moment Connections with 36-in.-Deep Beams for Intermediate Moment Frames

Previous testing has shown that four-bolt extended, unstiffened end-plate moment connections can be used with beams up to 24 in. deep and develop sufficiently ductile performance to satisfy seismic qualification. It is desirable to extend this depth limit to allow deeper beams for intermediate moment frames. Three moment connection specimens using built-up 36-in.-deep beams with a four-bolt extended, unstiffened end-plate moment connection were tested to determine if they satisfy the intermediate moment frame qualification criteria given in AISC 341-16 (2016a). The web of the specimens satisfied the moderately ductile section criteria for web slenderness, which is required for intermediate moment frames, but not highly ductile section criteria required for special moment frames.
 All three specimens passed qualification criteria for intermediate moment frames (IMFs) as given in AISC 341-16 by retaining at least 80% of the nominal plastic moment strength through 2% story drift. The observed failure modes included lateral torsional buckling of the specimen, flange local buckling, net section fracture of the beam flange, and failure of the beam flange-to-beam web fillet weld. The results of these tests support current moderately ductile limits associated with lateral bracing and cross-section slenderness, given that the associated specimens reached IMF qualification criteria but not special moment frame (SMF) criteria. It was concluded that four-bolt extended, unstiffened end-plate moment connections satisfy intermediate moment frame requirements with a beam depth of 36 in. and that a modification is needed for beam web to flange welds in built-up sections near the moment connection.

Test on seismic behaviors of stainless steel bolted extended end-plate beam-column joints

This study conducted tests on the seismic behavior of austenitic stainless steel bolted extended end-plate beam-column joints, which have been few reported. Considering the influence of material type, end-plate thickness, bolt diameter, panel zone thickness, and loading scheme, 11 stainless steel joints and two carbon steel joints were designed and tested. Material properties, joint failure modes, moment-rotation curves, bolt load distributions, and joint component yield sequences were reported in detail. Experimental research showed that the beam-column joints in austenitic stainless steel experienced four failure modes, i.e. plastic hinge at the beam end, fracture failure of weld between the beam flange and end-plate, bolt rupture failure, and composite failure. All the tested joints had good seismic behavior, with rotation capacity greater than 0.03 rad. The influence of joint configurations on the seismic behavior were analyzed. The results indicated that the end-plate thickness, end-plate stiffener, and bolt diameter had a substantial impact on the joint seismic behavior, while the thickness of column web in panel zone, material properties, and loading scheme had a comparatively small effect. The initial rotational stiffness and moment resistance(yield moment) of joint obtained from the experiment were compared with the predictions of the EN1993-1-8, Design Guide 16, and JGJ 82-2011. Comparisons indicated that the EN1993-1-8 overestimated the initial rotational stiffness; Both the EN1993-1-8 and JGJ 82-2011 underestimated the moment resistance, while the predictions from the Design Guide 16 were significantly higher than the moment resistance and closer to the ultimate moment.

Experimental and numerical study on weld strengths of built-up steel box columns

This study investigates the demands generated in the panel zone of welded steel built-up box columns with fillet and complete joint penetration (CJP) groove welds, which are mainly used as columns in steel moment-resisting frames. The motivation for this study stems from the a 360–16 specification for structural steel building, which requires the joining of flange and web plates of box columns with CJP groove welds within a zone extending 12 in. above the upper beam flange and 12 in. below the lower beam flange in special and intermediate steel moment frames. Laboratory experiments have been conducted to examine the strength of these welds under pure shear forces. For this purpose, two laboratory specimens, one with fillet welds and the other with CJP groove welds, have been designed, and the strength of these welds were equal to each other in pure shear force conditions. The fillet weld specimen has resisted up to 1670 kN in the pure shear test, and the CJP groove weld has resisted up to 1520 kN. The entire loading process of each specimen was characterized by employing the digital image correlation (DIC) technique, which enabled the extraction of strain values throughout. Numerical modeling is validated in Abaqus software using experimental results, with comprehensive analyses on force-displacement diagrams and rupture. The outcomes of the tests conducted have shown that the demands generated in the panel zone of the built-up steel box welded sections are satisfactorily tolerated by both fillet and CJP groove welds. Research significanceThe significance of this study can be elaborated in multiple aspects. Firstly, it introduces an innovative test setup meticulously designed to replicate the behavior of welded built-up box columns with corner joints to steel plates. This advanced experimental arrangement not only facilitates the current study, but also serves as a versatile tool for conducting forthcoming experiments, allowing for meaningful comparisons and further exploration of diverse phenomena within the field. Secondly, the deliberate imposition of uniform demands on both types of welds during the study enables a comprehensive examination of their behavioral characteristics. This comprehensive analysis contributes to a more profound comprehension of welds performance under identical conditions, thereby enhancing our knowledge within the field. Finally, the research outcome, which reveals that fillet welds exhibit almost identical load-bearing capacity in comparison to CJP groove welds, bears substantial practical significance for the construction industry. This finding has the potential to instigate more cost-effective and efficient welding practices, which are paramount for maintaining the structural integrity of steel structures.In summary, this study makes a noteworthy contribution to the scientific community by presenting an innovative test setup, deepening the knowledge of weld performance, and suggesting practical enhancements in welding methodologies. These collective contributions serve to elevate the field of structural engineering, promoting advancements in construction practices.

Finite element analysis and hysteretic model of self-centering steel connection with dual energy dissipation mechanism

In the traditional steel beam-column connection, the beam flanges were welded to the column face, while the beam web was bolted to the column face by shear tab. During seismic events, this connection often suffers from brittle failure. This paper presents a novel self-centering steel connection with dual energy dissipation mechanism. The connection utilizes the sliding of friction elements and the plastic deformation of T-stub at different stages to dissipate energy. As a result, the proposed connection not only enhances energy dissipation capacity but also increases the safety redundancy of the structure. The main focus of this study is to investigate the structural behavior of this new type of connection by refined finite element analysis models. These models are constructed using ANSYS and validated against experimental results. Furthermore, parametric analysis is conducted to investigate the influence of various factors on the seismic performance of the connection. These factors include the initial post-tensioning force of prestressed steel strands, the shape form of T-stub flange, the flange thickness of T-stub, the coefficient of friction between friction plates and web of T-stub, and the pre-tension force of high-strength bolts. The results demonstrate that increasing the initial post-tensioning force of the steel strands reduces the residual deformation and enhances the self-centering ability of the connection, and the dual energy dissipation behavior is more obvious. Meanwhile, the occurrence of both sliding and plastic deformation of T-stub is postponed. The influence of the thickness of the T-stub flange is minimal during the friction-based energy dissipation stage but significant during the energy dissipation stage of the plastic deformation of T-stub. Moreover, increasing either the coefficient of friction between friction plates and T-stub webs or the initial post-tensioning force of high-strength bolts significantly improves the bending strength of the connection and reduces residual deformation. Meanwhile, these factors mostly affect the friction sliding stage to delay the starting point of sliding, but their influence on the plastic deformation is minimal. Finally, a theoretical hysteretic model is proposed based on the dual energy dissipation mechanism. The model is compared and analyzed against experimental results, demonstrating good agreement. This provides theoretical foundation for the design of similar structural connection.

Fire experiment and fire design method of U-shaped steel-concrete composite beams

Four U-shaped steel-concrete composite beams (USCB) were designed and tested under the ISO-834 standard fire curve and distributed vertical load. The research parameters were the load ratio and shear connector form. The temperature distribution, fire resistance, and failure modes of the USCB specimen were investigated. The fire tests showed that the failure mode of the specimen is flexural damage and the connection interface between the flange and web of the composite beam remains intact. The temperature of the fire-resistance reinforcements is below 500°C when the specimens reached the fire resistance, which is in the early stage of material degradation and has high residual strength. The fire resistance increased (improve by 51%) with the decrease of load ratio (0.7 to 0.4) and was not affected by the shear connector form. Then a numerical simulation was applied to establish the temperature field model and fire resistance model of USCB, and the simulation results of the temperature field and fire resistance were in good agreement with the test results. The parameter analysis indicated that the load ratio, the diameter of fire-resistance reinforcement and fire protection layer have an obvious impact on the fire performance. Based on the heat transfer mechanism analysis, the temperature calculation methods for U-shaped steel, fire-resistant reinforcement and concrete were proposed. Moreover, a flexural bearing capacity calculation method for the USCB under the standard temperature rise curve is proposed, which can be applied to calculate fire resistance.

Cyclic behavior of dual-steel beam-to-column welded flange-bolted web connections

Cyclic loading tests on dual-steel beam-to-column welded flange-bolted web connections were conducted to quantify their moment resistance, plastic deformation and energy dissipation capacities. The test program consisted of five one-sided connection specimens, where Q355 grade beams and Q690 grade columns were used, to study the effects of beam-to-column welded flange connection details and panel zone shear strength on the connection seismic performance. Two types of welded connection details were considered; one was the traditional complete-joint-penetration (CJP) welded connections by use of backing bars, and the other type was those with the bottom backing bar further reinforced by a fillet weld. Three column web thicknesses were designed to arrive at strong, intermediate and weak panel zones, respectively. It was found that the CJP weld with the backing bar reinforced only under the bottom beam flange produced satisfactory performance and accommodated plastic rotations larger than 0.03 rad, while a maximum plastic rotation of 0.04 rad could be developed in the high-strength steel panel zone before fracture occurred. These results evidenced that those dual-steel connections could still sustain high seismic deformation demands.

Effects of structure size on post-earthquake fire resistance of CCBCC joints at non-uniform elevated temperatures

The probability of secondary fires caused by earthquakes is very high. Due to the residual stress and deformation caused by earthquakes, the mechanical behavior of cruciform combined beam-CFST column (CCBCC) joints is extremely complex. In view of this, the goal of this study is to investigate the effects of structure size on the post-earthquake fire failure mechanism of CCBCC joints under gradient temperatures. The calculation model in this article was validated using existing experimental results, subsequently 20 computational models were established to conduct parameter analysis, including the width-to-thickness ratio (γ) of the CFST column, the slenderness ratio (λ) of the CFST column, the width-to-thickness ratio (α) of beam flange, the height-to-thickness ratio (β) of beam web and the damage variable (D̃). The results have demonstrated that the post-earthquake fire resistance of CCBCC joints is mostly affected by damage variable. Parameters β, α, λ and γ also have a significant impact on the failure of these joints. An empirical bearing capacity prediction model of CCBCC joints is obtained. The research results can provide reference and data support for the design, maintenance, and reinforcement of CCBCC joints under post-earthquake fire.

Towards system reliability targeted design for flange-angle partially restrained steel moment connections

Partially or fully restrained steel moment connections are essential constituents of lateral force resisting moment frames. The constituents of the moment connection system – bolts, welds, plates and angles – are sized using their individual force demands by a limit state element-based load and resistance factor design procedure. The system reliability of the connection as a whole, which must be commensurate with reliabilities of adjoining frame components, has not been adequately investigated in the literature. This paper presents a methodology to determine the system reliability of commonly used steel moment connections that have been designed according to current element based procedures. A general expression is derived for a system factor that modifies element resistance factors to meet a specified system reliability target, as a function of the element’s relative importance within the system, and associated uncertainties. Uncertainties in element capacities (including their mutual dependence) and system demands are considered. The approach can be used to rationalize element design equations to achieve system reliability targets for the connection system. A detailed numerical example and a set of parametric studies on a partially restrained moment connection with angle supports at top and bottom beam flanges are presented. The results suggest the existence of beneficial system effects in current AISC provisions for the design of partially restrained moment connections.

Fire-resistant test and fire protection layer research of U-shaped steel–concrete composite beams

Four U-shaped steel–concrete composite beams with channel connectors (CUSCB) were designed and tested under the ISO-834 standard fire curve and distributed vertical load. The research parameters included the fire protection layer thickness, the fire-resistance reinforcement in the U-shaped steel and the load ratio. The temperature distribution, fire resistance, and failure modes of the CUSCB specimen were investigated. The fire tests indicated that the failure mode of the specimen is flexural damage, the connection interface between the flange and web of composite beam remains intact. And the local buckling phenomenon did not happen on U-shaped steel. The fire resistance increased with the decrease of load ratio, and the configuration of fire protection layer and fire-resistance reinforcement. Then the numerical simulation was conducted to research the fire performance of CUSCB, and the simulation results of the temperature field and fire resistance were in good agreement with the test results. Moreover, a flexural bearing capacity calculation method for the U-shaped steel and concrete composite beam under standard temperature rise curve is proposed, which can be applied to calculate fire resistance. Finally, the calculation tables for the thickness of fire protection layer are proposed based on the delaying temperature mechanism.

Numerical Study on Seismic Behavior of Demountable Joints Consisting of Reinforced Concrete Columns and Steel Beams

In this study, three new types of demountable connections, consisting of reinforced concrete columns and steel beams, are proposed, and their seismic performance is investigated through the use of cyclic loading tests. The test results reveal that these three demountable RCS joints show good seismic performance, in which the ductility coefficients of specimens RCS-1 and RCS-2 are improved by 69% and 109%, respectively, compared with the reference group of RCS-0 specimens. Various parameters, such as the beam flange thickness, bolt strength, and connecting steel strength, were analyzed using the finite element software ABAQUS 2021 to determine the effect of these parameters on the seismic performance and behavior of the connections. The results also show that the three demountable RCS joints are very sensitive to the variation in beam flange steel thickness, while the connector steel strength and bolt type have very little effect on the joint load-carrying capacity. In addition, different current theoretical approaches for calculating the shear bearing capacity in the panel zone of joints are discussed.

Cyclic performance welded steel reduced beam section moment connections using longitudinal slots in flanges

A new type of steel reduced beam section connection using longitudinal slots in the beam flanges is introduced. The effect of different parameters has been studied by the non-linear three-dimensional finite element method. Parameters have been the distance between the slot and column face, the length and width of the slot, the distance between the slot and the edge of the beam flange, the number of slots, the distance between slots, and the dimensions of the beam. The displacement controlled cyclic loading protocol recommended by SAC has been imposed. The von Mises yield criterion has been used. Obtained results show that creating the slots in the beam flange improves considerably the performance of the connection. The bending moment at the column face and plastic strains in the weld decrease by 32% and 94%, respectively, by increasing the slot length by 264%. The bending moment and dissipated energy reduce by 59% and 66%, respectively, when the slot width is increased by 430%. By increasing the length and width of the slot from a specific value and by moving the slot towards the beam web, the behaviour of the connection becomes unsatisfactory. The effect of the beam height is more than that of other dimensions of the beam. Based on the results obtained, recommendations for the design implications related to the geometric dimensions of the slots have been formulated.