01.29: Experimental prequalification of bolted extended end plate beam to column connections with haunches: Fid-Bau Portal

01.29: Experimental prequalification of bolted extended end plate beam to column connections with haunches

Stratan, Aurel / Maris, Cosmin / Dubina, Dan / Neagu, Calin

Modern seismic design codes require that the seismic performance of beam‐to‐column connections in steel moment resisting frames be demonstrated through experimental investigations, which are expensive and time‐consuming. A solution to this problem is the prequalification of typical connections for the design practice, which is common in U.S. and Japan. Recently concluded European research project entitled EQUALJOINTS (European pre‐QUALified steel JOINTS) addressed the seismic prequalification of several beam‐to‐column connection typologies common in the European practice. The current paper outlines the experimental program performed on 24 bolted extended end‐plate connections with haunches investigated at the Politehnica University of Timisoara in the framework of this project. The parameters of the experimental program consist of beam/column size, haunch geometry, joint configuration (single‐sided and double‐sided), panel zone strength, loading protocol (monotonic and cyclic) and beam over strength. The performance of the specimens is quantified in terms of deformation capacity, stiffness, and strength. Tests showed a satisfactory cyclic response, with plastic deformations occurring in the beam, at the end of the haunch. Consequently, extended end plate beam to column connections with haunches prove to be a suitable solution for seismic applications with large plastic deformation demands.