Static and Cyclic Performance of Semirigid Steel Beam‐to‐Column Connections

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a study of the performance of semirigid steel beam‐to‐column connections under static and cyclic loadings. Tests are reported for connections consisting of top and seat flange angles, and double web angles. In the static tests, initial stiffnesses, and complete moment‐rotation curves are reported for connections of varying dimensions. The geometric parameters that most significantly affect moment‐rotation behavior are determined. The data are compared to analytical models for predicting the initial stiffness and complete nonlinear moment‐rotation relationships for the connections. Hysteretic behavior and fatigue crack propagation characteristics are reported for connections subjected to constant amplitude and variable amplitude cyclic loadings. Empirical low‐cycle fatigue life relationships developed from the constant amplitude test data are applied to a linear damage accumulation model; damage summations predicted by the model are compared to the results of the variable amplitude cyclic tests.