Author(s)

N Sutchiewcharn & J Shen

Abstract

This paper presents a study on the cyclic behavior of beam-to-column connections with deep column sections ranging from W 14 to W33. A compact beam section was used for most of parametric studies, considering the fact that almost all available wide flange sections are compact. For comparison, a non-compact section beam was also included. Detailed nonlinear finite element analyses were conducted to address the issues that influence the cyclic performance and design consideration of one of most commonly used connection pre-qualified by FEMA 350 (namely RBS connection) when the column becomes deeper and deeper. Based on the observed performance of the beam-to-column connection assembly, no considerable reason was found to prevent the use of deep column sections when designed in accordance with the current seismic design provisions including lateral bracing and compact section requirements. The cyclic behavior is similar to a conventional connection consisting of W 14 columns. It should be commended that the system performance of a steel moment frame with deep columns might be different from that of a steel frame consisting exclusively of W 14 columns.

Keywords