Studies in Steel Moment Resisting Beam-to-Column Connections for Seismic-Resistant Design

摘要

Prior to the January 17, 1994 Northridge Earthquake, special moment resistingframed buildings constructed of steel were considered the best in seismic-resistant design. After the earthquake, however, brittle failures were discused in over 150 buildings, many which were designed and constructed according to contemporary standards. As a result, the report explores the primary reasons for such unexpected failures and attempts to provide methods of economically improving the performance of new connections. First, a historical chapter presents background information regardign the development of earthquake-resistant design standards in building codes as well as the evolution of moment resisting beam-to-column connections used in areas of high seismicity in the United States. Three contemporary, full-scale subassemblages are examined to determine the underlying causes of poor performance during the Northridge Earthquake.