ENERGY ABSORPTION IN WELDED BEAM COLUMN CONNECTIONS

Welded beam-to-column moment resistant connections have been tested under gradually increasing static and pulsating loads to determine the energy absorption characteristics of these connections. Six specimens have been tested-3 each under static and pulsating loads. Three different sizes of beams have been used but the column section has been kept the same in all the specimens. Beam to column connections were made using butt welds, backing plates and side cleat angles. An optical technique was used for the measurement of rotations for the beam and column. In four specimens the full plastic moment of the beam was transferred across the connections. Introduction of diagonal shear stiffeners in the columns reduced the rotational capacity of the specimens considerably and consequently the energy absorption. Shear failure in the column web and weld fracture at the column face were the common observed modes of failure of the specimens.