Wedge Design: A Reduced Beam Web (RBW) Connection for Seismic Regions

After the Northridge earthquake, it became clear that welded flange-bolted web connections for deep beams do not have adequate ductility when subject to seismic loading. Previous experimental tests on two such connections for shallow beams based on "wedge design" had achieved adequate strength and ductility. Such beams have a wedge removed from the web and flanges are then reattached. This study aimed to investigate the strength and ductility of "wedge design" connections for deep beams. The finite element method was used to model two pre-tested post-Northridge connections for deep beams of different depths. Wedge design was then applied on these connections, with results showing inadequate connection ductility. A parametric study was therefore carried out to find the best wedge detail. The effects of using different stiffener configurations and double wedge details on the strength, ductility and initial stiffness of connections were also investigated. Finally, the most effective stiffener configuration for the connection is proposed.