EXPERIMENTAL PERFORMANCE OF SEISMIC STEEL BEAM-COLUMN MOMENT JOINTS

The performance of 10 seismic beam-to-wide-flange-column moment-connec tion specimens using bolted-web-welded-flange (BWWF) details is critic ally assessed. Key parameters include beam-flange-to-entire-beam-secti on plastic modulus ratio, Z(f)/Z; supplemental web bolts; supplemental web welds; and column panel-zone strength. Experimental results indic ate that the cyclic plastic rotational capacities of the BWWF connecti ons range between 0.009 and 0.018 rad, with no apparent relationship t o the Z(f)/Z ratio. The ultimate beam-flange flexural strength, Z(f)F( u), accurately predicts the ultimate moment capacities of the BWWF con nections. Using 1.2M(p) - Z(f)F(u) as the flexural-strength requiremen t, the supplemental web welds, but not the supplemental web bolts, sig nificantly enhance the strength, ductility, and energy absorbing capac ity of the BWWF connections. Using 0.8Z(f)F(u) as the design yield str ength for two beam-column panel zones, inelastic-beam and panel-zone d eformations were developed simultaneously.