The seismic remediation of pre-Northridge steel moment-resisting frames has been primarily focused on resolving the lack of ductility of beam-column connections, with particular attention to the area between the beam bottom flange and column. In contrast, much less attention has been focused on possible problems with welded column splices of pre-Northridge moment-resisting frames. In fact, observation of column splice failures in seismic events has been infrequent. This paper will address potential column splice connection issues with two recently evaluated pre-Northridge steel moment frame structures, including a mid-rise and a high-rise example. The paper will focus on these main issues: existing evaluation and acceptance guidelines for pre-Northridge column splices, fracture mechanics considerations, column splice demand evaluation methodology, column splice weld specimen removal and testing, and splice weld remediation.
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