Moment-Frame Connection Qualification Criteria for Seismic Applications

Beam-column connections are critical to the performance of moment-resisting steel frames. Adverse connection performance can pose both local and global hazards. Loss of connection stiffness and strength can lead to the premature development of large interstory drifts and P-delta instabilities, while complete connection failure can result in local impairment of gravity load carrying capability. Despite the importance of connection behavior to frame performance, it is only In recent years that either the structural steel or reinforced concrete design specifications have adopted standardized connection qualification protocols. While these protocols represent a vast improvement over the qualitative procedures employed in the past, significant improvements can be made in these procedures. Connection qualification protocols should be based on total energy and displacement inputs that are representative of anticipated design loading, and should provide sufficient data to be useful in the performance-based design procedures currently being developed