Experimental evaluation of the full-range behaviour of steel beam-to-column connections

Abstract

The paper summarises recent experimental research undertaken at the University of Sydney on determining the full-range behaviour of steel beam-to-column connections. Three series of tests were conducted on three different types of connections including bolted extended end-plate connections, top-and-seat angle connections and double web angle connections. The tests were continued well into the post-ultimate range until complete failure of the connection, obtaining the connection’s full-range behaviour comprising the initial linear response, non-linear behaviour resulting from gradual yielding of connection components, ultimate state, and post-ultimate softening and fracture behaviour. The failure modes were observed and analysed for the tested connection types. Moreover, for the top-and-seat angle connections and double web angle connections, multiple tests were conducted on nominally identical connections to examine the variability of the connection behaviour, which stems from the random variation in geometric and material properties.