Cyclic behavior of steel column-tree moment-resisting connection with haunched beam

This paper presents an analytical study on the cyclic behavior of column-tree moment- resistingconnection with haunched beam. Two proposed connections with different configurations have beenstudied. Nonlinear finite element analysis has been performed to evaluate the behavior of the proposedconnections under cyclic loading sequences used for connection prequalification. Analytical resultsshowed the ability of both connections to exhibit ductile behavior which is desirable. Comparison ofbeam tip load versus story drift angle was made and load bearing capacity of each connection wasderived. Evaluation of hysteretic loops indicated that both proposed connections are able to perform asmooth and ductile behavior. Plastic strain distribution revealed that plastic hinges were formed awayfrom beam-column interface. It was concluded the proposed connections can significantly improve thecyclic behavior of column-tree moment resisting connections.

Keywords:

Column-Tree connection , Moment resisting frame , Cyclic loading , Plastic hinge , haunched beam , ductile behavior