Extended End-Plate RWS Connections with Perforated Beams Under Cyclic Loading

Researchers have developed seismic-resistant connections specially designed for moment frames through reducing the beam strength at a location adjacent to the beam-column connection to develop the so-called “weak beam - strong column” mechanism. The recently introduced reduced web section (RWS) connections is another type of such connections designed by weakening the beam section through large web openings similar to those found in perforated (cellular) beams. Up to date, various types of RWS connections have been studied through finite element (FE) analyses, yet no experimental works have been carried out. This paper presents the first three types of RWS connections with the aim to determine the influence of the web opening position and spacing on the cyclic behaviour of RWS connections. The four tested RWS specimens sustained throughout the entire FEMA 350 cyclic loading test except for one specimen which failed by weld cracking - similar to the failure of connections in the 1994 Northridge earthquake. Findings of this paper can be used to validate FE studies and to be the basis of design guidelines for pre-engineered RWS connections.