Behaviour of a Moment Connection Without Stress Continuity Plates against Horizontal Loading

Abstract

The structural behavior of the new moment resisting connection system, in which the stress continuity plates at beam flange levels are discarded, and the wall thickness of SHS column is increased at panel zone, was investigated against horizontal loading using the full scale test subassemblages. For comparison, the same size subassemblages with the conventional connection system (through diaphragm system) were also tested. It was found out that the load carrying capacity of the subassemblage increased substantially compared with that of conventional assemble system. This advantage was brought by the increase of shear resistance of panel zone.