Database and Review of Beam-to-Column Connections for Seismic Design of Composite Special Moment Frames

Abstract

This paper reviews the experimental research on beam-to-column connections for composite special moment frames (C-SMFs) and presents an experimental database consisting of 165 tests conducted on these connections. The paper also summarizes the behavior of different types of connections and evaluates the connections using current standard requirements for composite beam-to-column connections. Based on the evaluations, double split-tee (DST) connections are recommended for C-SMFs with rectangular concrete-filled steel tube (CFT) columns, through-beam connections are recommended for C-SMFs with circular CFT columns, while connections using diaphragms are recommended for C-SMFs with both rectangular and circular CFT columns. Design provisions for the DST and through-beam connections are also provided, which include design equations to calculate the panel zone shear strength and flowcharts illustrating step-by-step design procedures. The paper will be useful and practical for engineers planning to design C-SMFs using current AISC seismic guidelines.