A NEW NONLINEAR CONNECTION CLASSIFICATION-SYSTEM

In this paper, a new classification system for steel beam-to-column co nnections in an unbraced frame is devised demarcating the moment-rotat ion diagram into three connection zones by two smooth nonlinear lines. The equations of these two nonlinear lines are taken from a three-par ameter moment-rotation model. The three parameters used in the model a re: initial connection stiffness R-ki; ultimate moment capacity M-u of connection; and a shape parameter n. It was observed that the propose d classification system is simpler and more accurate than the existing classification systems. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. A ll rights reserved.