Comparison of Design Concept and Structural Performance of Beam-to-Column Connections in Japan and the United States

Abstract

After Northridge earthquake, research projects on seismic resistance of steel structures were performed in the U. S., and the design criteria for beam-to-column connections are recommended in FEMA-350. On the other hand, a recommendation for design of connections, in which the results of recent researches after Kobe earthquake are reflected, was published in Japan. In this paper. the differences of design concepts are discussed, and the data of the U. S. are compared with those of Japan in material properties and structural performances of full-scale specimens.