Effect of Local Details and Yield Ratio on Behavior of FR Steel Connections

The effect of the local geometric details and yield-to-ultimate stress ratio on the inelastic behavior of pre-Northridge connections is studied through 3D nonlinear finite-element analyses of connection subassemblages. Geometric details considered include shape and size of the access hole and presence or absence of the continuity plate and its thickness. Results from the finite-element analyses highlight the detrimental effect of using steel with the high yield-to-ultimate stress ratio and show that enlarging the size of the access hole to facilitate welding increases the potential for ductile fracture at the root of the access hole. It is suggested that currently recommended provisions for continuity plate thickness could be relaxed for one-sided moment connections.