BOLTED LINK-COLUMN JOINTS IN ECCENTRICALLY BRACED FRAMES

Based on a limited number of experiments, current practice is to use f ully welded link-column connections for links in eccentrically braced frames. Since the use of field welded connections has its limitations, the use of bolted connections may be an attractive alternative. The e xtended end plate connection was selected for testing in link-column j oint applications in eccentrically braced frames. The objective of thi s study is to evaluate the performance of bolted connections between t he link and the column in eccentrically braced frames. The study is ex perimental in nature and involves the testing of bolted end prate conn ection under severe cyclic loading. The cyclic load is used to model t he severe load reversals associated with a major seismic event. The ef fect of bolt size, end plate thickness and the use of end plate stiffe ners on the performance of the joint was evaluated. Properly designed extended end plate connections showed ductile performance. Links with extended end plate connections developed ultimate forces and reached d eformation angles comparable to those with fully welded connections. G uidelines for designing bolted extended end plate connections for link -column joints are proposed.