Seismic evaluation of reduced web section (RWS) moment connections

This paper presents a study of fully-fixed (welded) perforated beam-to-column connections, used as strengthening techniques to code-deficient steel frames. The effect of reduced web sections (RWS) using non-standard novel opening shapes on of variable depths and positions is investigated. The improvements on the structural behaviour foreshadow the enhancements gained using such perforated members. It is concluded that using large isolated perforations is an effective way of improving the behaviour of connections enhancing their ductility, rotational capacity and their energy dissipation capacity. Moreover, the connections with novel openings outperform the conventional ones; therefore they can be suitably used in the seismic-resistant design of steel frames.