EFFECT OF ULTIMATE FLEXURAL STRENGTH OF BEAM END CONNECTION ON DEFORMATION CAPACITY

Deformation capacity of welded beam-to-column connection subjected to repeated plastic strain  Part 1

Abstract

This paper presents results of full-scale cyclic loading tests under constant deformation amplitude conducted to evaluate deformation capacity of welded beam-to-column connection adopted in moment frames. Test specimens are designed and fabricated to investigate the influence of flexural strength of beam end connection. The deformation capacity expressed by the relationships between ductility and cumulative plastic deformation is revealed from test results. The relationships between crack growth at welded joint and strength of connection is evaluated regarding deformation amplitude. The initiation of crack is investigated about distribution of stress and strain obtained from FEM analysis.