Panel zone evaluation of direct connection to box column subjected to bidirectional loading

As an effective factor for force‐controlled components, in special moment frames, the main advantage of using box column is high biaxial bending strength. Most research studies have been concentrated on the box column performance subjected to unidirectional loading. On the other hand, seismic provisions given so far in codes are limited to beam to wide flange column connections with planar webs. In the research work presented, the bidirectional loading configurations are adopted to better simulate the actual response of the box column subjected to a ground motion excitation. The connection used in the article is welded unreinforced flange–welded web, being the direct connection that was introduced in the American Institute of Steel Construction as one of the prequalified connection. Analytical results from finite element method indicate that when the structure is subjected to bidirectional loading, the level of shear and flexural strength capacity of the box column reduces. Because of the yielding of the panel zone and the inner diaphragm, the distribution of stress and strain in the finite element models reveals that the design criteria presented in most seismic codes seem not to place the plastic hinge out of the panel zone region and therefore need to be modified. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.