A test program was conducted on seismic-resistant steel moment connections
constructed using a Reduced Beam Section, also known as a "dogbone." In the
dogbone connection, portions of the beam flange near the beam-to-column co
nnection are trimmed in order to enhance ductility under severe cyclic load
s. This test program was conducted in order to evaluate the dogbone connect
ion for use in a 25 story steel office building in Salt Lake City.
A total of five large scale specimens were tested in this program, with bea
m sizes ranging from W30x148 up to W36x194. The specimens combined the dogb
one cutout in the beam flanges with an all welded beam-to-column connection
constructed using improved welding practices. The test program showed exce
llent performance for specimens constructed with a circular radius cut dogb
one. Cost comparisons indicated that this connection also provided good eco
nomy compared to other alternatives considered for this building constructi
on project. Overall, the dogbone appears to be one of the more promising mo
ment connection details for use in seismic-resistant steel moment frames.
This paper summarizes the results of the experimental program, and provides
suggestions for the design of dogbone moment connections.