CYCLIC TESTS AND SEISMIC DESIGN OF STEEL GUSSET PLATES IN BUILDINGS

During the past earthquakes, there have been a number of cases where steel gusset plate connections have failed. Seismic behavior of gusset plates has been studied in the field and in laboratories in recent years. This paper discusses actual performance of gusset plates during past earthquakes as well as in the laboratories. Then, a summary of design recommendations and provisions for seismic design of these important connections in steel braced frames are provided.