Date of Graduation

5-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Civil Engineering (MSCE)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Civil Engineering

Advisor/Mentor

Gary Prinz

Committee Member

Cameron Murray

Second Committee Member

Michelle Barry

Keywords

composite action; cyclic loading; reduced beam section connection; skewed connection; special moment frame; structural engineering

Abstract

Special moment frames (SMFs) having reduced beam section (RBS) connections are commonly used in high seismic areas as they resist lateral forces while preserving critical welded connection regions. RBS SMFs provide brace-free, unobstructed frame options which can be favorable for architectural purposes. However, when building designs require non-rectangular framing, laterally skewed connections may be needed. Current design provisions for SMF connections provide only limited commentary on such non-orthogonal connections as limited research exists documenting skewed frame behavior. This study experimentally evaluates the cyclic behavior of a full-scale double-sided skewed SMF RBS specimen having a composite concrete slab. During the imposed beam rotations defined by the SMF prequalification protocol, beam twisting was observed to reduce demands at the RBS and reduce the overall stiffness of the SMF system while accommodating the inter-story drift. Additionally, column panel-zone yielding and column flange yielding were observed. Local strain measurements within the RBS and beam-to-column connection regions suggest relatively similar demands across the RBS but with higher demands at the edges (similar to observations made in previous analytical studies). Displacement measurements indicate minimal column twist at rotations up to 0.04rad, likely stabilized from the observed anti-symmetric beam twist.

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