Failure Analysis of Welded Steel Moment Frames Damaged in the NorthridgeEarthquake

摘要

In the aftermath of the Northridge earthquake, extinsive cracking was discoveredin welded steel moment frame (WEMF) connections in more than one hundred buildings in the Los Angeles area. Speculation on the reasons for the fractures was widespread and focused on the external appearance of the cracked elements. This study was undertaken in order to characterize the origin of the fracture and material properties of failed connections thereby permitting a rational failure analysis to be made.