Seismic Behavior of Moment‐Resisting Steel Frames: Experimental Study

Abstract

An experimental evaluation of the seismic performance of moment‐resisting steel frames using weak‐column strong‐beam joints is described. This study is a continuation of an analytical investigation described in a companion paper. Five half‐scale specimens are tested using an inelastic substructure technique of the pseudodynamic test method. Most of the structural frame is analyzed using standard inelastic techniques while a critical component of the frame is tested. Results from this study suggest that weak‐column strong‐beam frames have sufficient ductility to sustain the inelastic demand induced by a major seismic event, but only if the base shear strength is larger than the minimum required by the