Tests of Welded Steel Beam-to-Column Moment Connections

This paper reviews the results of three full-size symmetrically-loaded moment-resisting beam-to-column connections: (1) A fully-welded connection where the beam flanges and web are groove welded to the column flange; (2) a seated connection where the beam flanges again are groove welded to the column flange but beam shear is carried by a beam seat which is fillet welded to the column flange; and (3) a connection in which only the flanges of the beam are groove welded to the column flange, leaving the beam flanges to carry both shear and moment. Results show that test 1 performed well, achieving good stiffness, strength and ductility at maximum load. Test 2 also displayed good strength and stiffness but had little ductility at maximum load due to buckling of the beam web. With the use of bearing stiffeners on the beam, the ductility of test 2 was increased to a value close to that of test 1. Test 3 attained only a low strength level but exhibited ductility nearly equal to test 1.