Tests of Welded Beam-Column Subassemblies. I: Global Behavior

Abstract

This paper describes the results of cyclic loading tests applied to 14 full-scale beam-column subassemblages. First, efforts undertaken in the Japanese steel community in response to damage observed at welded beam-to-column connections in the 1995 Hyogoken-Nanbu (Kobe) Earthquake are introduced. Second, the major test parameters chosen in this study are described: type of steel, type of connection, type of weld access holes, type of weld tabs, and type of loading. Third, the test results are presented in terms of the ductility capacity of the test specimens. Major findings are as follows: (1) All specimens developed plastic rotations and cumulative plastic rotations of 0.03 rad and 0.3 rad, respectively, suggesting that ductility capacity of the specimens was sufficient in light of present Japanese seismic design; (2) dynamic loading had no detrimental effect on ductility capacity; (3) ductility capacity was significantly smaller for specimens with steel weld tabs than for those with flux tabs made of ceramic; and (4) modified details for the weld access hole had an effect of preventing cracks initiating from the toe of the weld access hole.