Seismic Behavior of Steel Beam to Box Column Connections

In recent years, the use of steel elements in building constructions in seismic regions has increased. Although steel structures have generally performed well during earthquakes, their seismic vulnerability significantly depends on the performance of their components. In this research, the results of two full-scale steel beam-to-column moment connections tested under cyclic loading are discussed. The prototypes were made up of box columns and I-shaped beams with an exterior beam-to-column joint. The physical full-scale cyclic testing was corroborated through nonlinear finite element (FEA). The discussion is centered on a detailed comparison of the obtained results from the experiment and numerical simulation, including stiffness, strength, excessive local damage, ductility, and deformation capacity. Recommendations are proposed for improving the seismic behavior of steel connections.