Cyclic behaviour of post-Northridge WUF-B connections

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the cyclic behavior of post-Northridge Welded Unreinforced Flange-Bolted web (WUF-B) connections made using new notch tough welding materials and welding procedures, and a modified access hole. Since no WUF-B connection test results were found which satisfy the minimum design and detail requirements of the 2002 AISC Seismic Provisions for Structural Steel Buildings, this study made three full-scale test specimens of WUF-B connections according to the provisions. The main variable of the specimens was the ratio of the panel zone strength to the connected beam strength (panel zone strength ratio). Quasi-static cyclic testing was conducted. This study found that post-Northridge WUF-B connection specimens having a stronger panel zone experienced more significant slip between the bolted shear tab and the beam web. It was observed that the slip caused stress concentrations in and around the access hole, resulting in connection failure. The WUF-B connection specimen having the weakest panel zone did not, however, experience excessive slip between the bolted shear tab and beam web. Moreover, this WUF-B specimen could not achieve the required beam strength. This study observed that post-Northridge WUF-B connections with a panel zone strength ratio ranging from 0.9 to 1.6 provides a drift ratio exceeding 0.2. This drift ratio is required for satisfactory performance of the connections of Intermediate Moment Frames. Furthermore, this study proposed an analytical model for post Northridge WUF-B connections having different panel zone strength ratios.