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Abstract

Existing experimental reduced beam section (RBS) moment frame investigations, particularly those used for prequalification in AISC-358, consider orthogonally oriented beam-to-column connections. While the design commentary provided in AISC-358 references recent skewed SMF numerical studies and potential performance effects when a lateral beam skew is introduced, limited experimental studies have been performed to verify the numerical findings. This study presents an experimental investigation into the cyclic behavior of RBS special moment frames that have lateral skew at the beam-to-column connection and composite concrete slabs. In this study, a skewed composite double-sided RBS connection is tested, having beam bracing outside the RBS connection to contrast observed behavior with recent testing neglecting RBS bracing, as is allowed when a slab is present. The test specimen in this study considers a W24x131 column and two W24x76 beams connected at a 15-degree lateral skew angle. Experimental results show that the connection retained 80% of its plastic moment capacity during 4% drift, meeting AISC-358 prequalification requirements. A beam top-flange fracture was observed at 6% drift due to ultra-low cycle fatigue resulting from the repeated local buckling of the beam flange. Moderate column twisting, and minimal column flange yielding at the acute skew angle side of the connection were observed. Inelastic deformation was successfully localized to the RBS region and there were no signs of the connection weld fractures. Comparing results with previous testing neglecting beam bracing, lateral beam bracing within d/2 from the RBS is recommended for connections having beam skews greater than 10 degrees, even if a composite concrete slab is present.

Details

1010268
Business indexing term
Title
Effect of Beam Bracing on the Seismic Performance of Laterally Skewed Reduced Beam Section Moment Connections With Composite Concrete Slabs
Number of pages
57
Publication year
2025
Degree date
2025
School code
0011
Source
MAI 86/12(E), Masters Abstracts International
ISBN
9798280773776
Advisor
Committee member
Murray, Cameron; Hale, Micah
University/institution
University of Arkansas
Department
Civil Engineering
University location
United States -- Arkansas
Degree
M.S.C.E.
Source type
Dissertation or Thesis
Language
English
Document type
Dissertation/Thesis
Dissertation/thesis number
31994563
ProQuest document ID
3219168427
Document URL
https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/effect-beam-bracing-on-seismic-performance/docview/3219168427/se-2?accountid=208611
Copyright
Database copyright ProQuest LLC; ProQuest does not claim copyright in the individual underlying works.
Database
ProQuest One Academic