Slim-Floor Beam-to-Column Joints for Seismic-Resistant Structures: Design Approach and Detailing

This article presents the main steps of the design methodology developed for slim-floor beam-to-column joints, which were previously experimentally tested and numerically analysed. The design procedure and the detailing of the joints are part of an extensive study which incorporates experimental tests, numerical investigations, and global analyses on structural systems (i.e., MRFs/D-CBFs). Based on the experimental and numerical results obtained, the aim of the design procedure is to promote the development of a ductile mechanism within the intended dissipative zone of the slim-floor beam and to maintain the beam-to-column connection in the elastic range, as it was experimentally demonstrated. To achieve the design strategy, several steps and recommendations are proposed. Among these, the most important are related to the joint detailing and the use of a Reduced Beam Section (RBS) - or more accurately formulated a Reduced Flange Section (RFS) - at the lower steel plate/flange.