Strength of Beams in Beam-to-Column Connections with Holes in the Tension Flange

A discussion of several approaches to predicting the flexural strength of beams with holes in the tension flanges is presented. Experimental data pertinent to the discussion is then presented, summarized and analyzed. It is observed that although provisions in the AISC 360-16 specification predict a net section fracture of the tension flanges in a number of the experiments, many of those beams were able to achieve their full plastic moment prior to failure. Two alternative models are proposed as improvements to the provisions in AISC 360-16; the merits and limitations of those models are discussed.