AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON NEW CONNECTION SYSTEM OF H-SHAPED BEAMS TO VACANT OR CONCRETE-FILLED BOX COLUMNS

Abstract

The beam-to-column connection system using outside-diaphragms, which stiffen the tubular columns from outside of the columns, does not reauire the cutting of columns at any level of beam flanges. This leads to the advantages of short welding lengths, high reliabilities on column strengths and on filling concrete into the columns. However, the connections usually need large sizes of horizontal dimensions, which cause some restrictions to the design on exteriors of buildings. A compact connection system using vertical stiffeners was proposed for the connections placed close to the building exteriors. The paper discusses the experimental results on the connection system, derives the strength formula, and illustrates the aseismic performance of framed structures consisting of the system.