Effective Horizontal Haunch Length of Beam-to-Box Column Connection

Abstract

Horizontal haunched beams are being increasingly used for preventing brittle fractures of beam flanges in the vicinity of beam-to-boxed-column moment-resisting connections. However, few studies have been carried out on the effect of haunch length on the plastic deformability of haunched beams. In this study, six specimens with two haunch lengths and beam lengths were statically loaded. The test results are also analyzed for their maximum strengths to determine the type of fracture, i.e., rupture or buckling. Suitable haunch lengths are proposed on the basis of the test and analytical results to avoid brittle fractures and to increase beam deformation capacity.