Study of connection detailing on SMRF seismic behavior for unequal beam depths

This study investigates the differences in the seismic behavior of Special Moment Resisting Frames (SMRF) with unequal beam depths, which can be affected by connection detailing arrangements. The studied connection detailing arrangements consist of continuity plate arrangements, such as straight or inclined continuity plates, coverplate, flange plate connections, and the haunch connection system on the shallow beam side, which can create some alternatives for the connection of the shallow beam and the deep beam to the column. In spite of the occurrence of this special case in everyday engineering practice, the codes do not take these special cases into consideration. Six full-scale experiments were performed in order to improve the understanding of the seismic behavior associated with this special case. Companion analyses were then conducted in order to consider the effects of the above-mentioned connection detailing arrangements on the analytical rupture indices. The results of the experiments and analyses have shown that the described connection detailing arrangements can achieve performance corresponding to story drift ratios of at least 4% to 6% before experiencing 20% strength degradation. By the use of a specific combination of a flange plate connection with a haunch connection system, crack propagation on the deep beam's bottom flange, which is observed in most connection detailing arrangements for this special case, can be eliminated.