Abstract
It is commonly believed by structural engineering researchers that the slotted-web beam connection rectifies many common weaknesses, and hence this connection is recommended whenever possible. Suitable ductility without considerable strength loss is the most important advantage of this type of special moment connection. The shear force present in beam flanges with lateral torsional buckling are mentioned as the main causes of weld fracture in most connections. The separation of flange from beam’s web results in separation of the force shares of beam’s flange and web; also, removal of the shear from beam’s flanges will cause uniform distribution of stress through the width of the beam flange. In this study the seismic behavior of improved slotted-web beam connections is compared with similar samples numerically and experimentally. Results suggest that in case of proper use of beam flange stiffeners, this type of connection does not show any loss of strength and provides suitable ductility. Since shear strength of the panel zone is effective on beam-to-column weld strains, participation of the panel zone in seismic behavior of this type of connection is of interest. Results show that high participation of panel zone effect causes the possibility of weld fracture in beam web to increase and the maximum strength of the connection to decrease. Performance comparisons are made based on envelope curves and percentage of energy dissipation of the specimens. Suitable ductility at this connection proves that this connection shall be classified as special moment connection.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
AISC (2010a), Seismic Provisions for Structural Steel Buildings, AISC/ANSI 341-10, American Institute of Steel Construction, Chicago, IL.
AISC (2010b), Specification for Structural Steel Buildings, AISC/ANSI 360-10, American Institute of Steel Construction, Chicago, IL.
Allen, J., Richard, R. and Partridge, J. (1998). “Seismic connection designs for new and existing steel moment frame structures.” Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 46(1-3), pp. 454.
Aslam, A., Nath, Y., Vijai, K., and Udhayasankar, S. (2005). “Numerical Studies on Slotted Beam-Column Connection.” Structures Congress 2005, 171, pp. 1–8.
Chen, C.C., Lin, C.C. and Tsai, C.L. (2004). “Evaluation of Reinforced Connections between Steel Beams and Box Columns.” Engineering Structures, 26(13), pp. 1889–1904.
Chia, B., Uang, C-M. and Chen, A. (2006). “Seismic rehabilitation of pre-Northridge steel moment connections: A case study”. Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 62(8), pp. 783–792.
Ciutina, AL. and Dubina, D. (2006). “Seismic behaviour of steel beam-to-column joints with column web stiffening.” Steel and Composite Structures, Vol. 6(6), pp. 493–512.
Elnashai, A.S. and Di Sarno, L. (2008). Fundamentals of Earthquake Engineering, Wiley and Sons, UK.
FEMA (2000b). Recommended Seismic Design Criteria for New Steel Moment-Frame Buildings, FEMA 350, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Washington, DC.
Fielding D., El-Tawil S., Vidarsson E., Mikesell T. and Kunnath S., (2000), “Inelastic behavior and design of steel panel zones”, J. Struct. Eng., ASCE, Vol. 126(2), pp. 274–276.
Hamburger, R.O., Krawinkle, H., Malley, J.O. and Adan, M.S. (2009). “Seismic Design of Steel Special Moment Frames: A Guide for Practicing Engineers.” NIST GCR 09-917-3.
Hedayat Amir, A. and Celikag, M. (2009a). “Post-Northridge connection with modified beam end configuration to enhance strength and ductility”. Journal of Construction Steel Research, 65(7), pp. 1413–1430.
Jin, J. and El-Tawil, S. (2005). “Evaluation of FEMA 350 Seismic Provisions for Steel Panel Zones”, J. Struct. Eng., ASCE, Vol. 131(2), pp. 250–258.
Kim, T., Whittakar, A.S., Gilani, A.S.J., Bertero, V.V. and Takhirov, S.M. (2002). “Experimental Evaluation of Plate-Reinforced Steel Moment Resisting Connections”, J. Struct. Eng., ASCE, 128(4), pp. 483–91.
Lee, Ch. H., Jeon, S. W., Kim, J. H. and Uang, Ch.M. (2004). “Seismic Performance of Reduced Section Steel Frame Connections: Effects of Panel Zone Strength and Beam Web Connection Method.” 13th World Conference on Earthquake Engineering, Canada, paper No. 3449.
Maleki, S. and Tabbakhha, M. (2011). “Numerical Study of Slotted Web Reduced Flange Moment Connection.” Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 69(1), pp. 1–7.
Mele, E., Di Sarno, L. and De Luca, A. (2004). Seismic Behaviour of Perimeter and Spatial Steel Frames, Journal of Earthquake Engineering, 8(3), pp. 457–496.
Moslehi Tabar, A. and Deylami, A. (2005). “Instability of beams with reduced beam section moment connections emphasizing the effect of column panel zone ductility.” Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 61(11), pp. 1475–1491.
Pachoumis, D.T., Galoussis, E.G., Kalfas, C.N. and Efthimiou, I.Z. (2010). “Cyclic Performance of Steel Moment-Resisting Connections with Reduced Beam Sections Experimental Analysis and Finite Element Model Simulation.” Engineering Structures, 32(9), pp. 2683–2692.
Ricles, J. M., Mao, C., Lu, L.W. and Fisher, J. W. (2002). “Ductile Details for Welded Unreinforced Moment Connections Subject to Inelastic Cyclic Loading.” Engrg. Struct., 25(5), pp. 667–679.
SAC (2000). “Dvelopment of Loading Histories For a Testing of Steel Beam-to-Column assemblies”. Department of Civil & Env. Engineering, Stanford University.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Adlparvar, M.R., Vetr, M.G. & Ghaffari, F. The importance of panel zone shear strength on seismic behavior of improved slotted-web beam connections. Int J Steel Struct 17, 307–318 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13296-015-0024-1
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13296-015-0024-1