Evaluation of Column-Tree Moment Resisting Connection with End Plates and Haunched Beam

The column-tree constructional scheme allows for a reliable and convenient erection of momentresisting steel frames. Strengthening of column-tree connection with a haunch part can significantlyimprove seismic behavior of beam-column joint. In the current study, behavior of column-treeconnections with haunched beams and end plate splices have been investigated. Special attention waspaid for evaluation of the effect of haunch section length and presence of the beams bottom flange.Nonlinear finite element analysis has been used for numerical analyses. The results indicate animprovement of the load bearing capacity of specimens when a longer haunch was used and also whenbeam bottom flange existed in the haunch part. A direct relation between haunch length and theamount of stress in splice plates was also observed. However, all connections showed ductile behaviorduring cyclic analysis and specimens with longer haunch revealed more desirable behavior. It wasconcluded that despite some deficiencies observed during the numerical tests, in presence of a longerhaunch and also the beam's bottom flange, a noticeable improvement of the general behavior ofconnection can be achieved.

Keywords:

Column-Tree Connection , Haunch , Splice Plate , Finite Element Analysis , Ductile Behavior