Date of Graduation

5-2021

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Civil Engineering (MSCE)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Civil Engineering

Advisor/Mentor

Prinz, Gary S.

Committee Member

Murray, Cameron D.

Second Committee Member

Hale, W. Micah

Keywords

Large-Scale Structural Testing; Reduced Beam Section Connections; Seismic Design; Skewed Connections; Special Moment Frame; Steel Structures

Abstract

Special moment frames having specially detailed connections are common in high seismic regions, providing architectural flexibility for passageways and views without brace obstructions. In situations where the building framing layout requires deviation from typical rectangular framing, skew in the moment frame connections may be required. Currently, the AISC prequalified connections only include testing of orthogonal moment frame connections and it is unclear whether the existing design methods can accommodate skew at the beam-to- column connections. To investigate the effect of out-of-plane skew on the performance of reduced beam section special moment frame connections, an experimental test is designed and a preliminary prequalification test is performed. This thesis presents the experimental design and test-setup analysis for prequalification of skewed moment frame connection testing. Results highlighting issues with the test-frame flexibility are discussed, and recommendations are provided to enhance the quality of test for future prequalification testing.

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