Experiment investigation on failure behavior of partial-strength connections with column skin plate deformation

This paper presents an experimental investigation of semi-rigid partial strength beam-to-column connections. An H-shape beam is connected to a column with bolted connection. Four different types of connection details are studied: Extend end plate, Flush end plate, Top and seat angle with Double web angle, Double web angle connections. The sub-assemblages of beam-to-column connections with different detailed configurations and various degrees of column-skin stiffened conditions were subjected to quasi-static cyclic loading. The moment-rotation relationships observed are compared with an existing poly-line characterization proposed in the past for semirigid connection behavior. Comparison between them shows a similar behavior when failure occurs at the semi-rigid connection. These test data enrich the databank, and consequently provide information to improve semi-rigid design procedure.