Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis of Steel Beam-To-Column Connections with Channel Stiffeners

This paper presents a numerical study of a new steel beam-to-column moment connection. Instead of continuity and doubler plates in traditional designs, the connection in this study uses steel channels to reinforce the column web. This configuration allows passage of building services, such as electrical conduits and water pipes through the column web space. It also eliminates shop welding of continuity plates in columns. Seven different configurations are studied with nonlinear finite element modeling. Displacement-based cyclic motions were applied to sub-assemblages of beam-and-column. Stress distribution, strength, stiffness and energy dissipation are studied and compared. Results show that channel stiffeners alleviate stress concentration in column web panel and improve energy dissipation when the connection is subjected to cyclic motion. In particular, the combination of reduced-beam-section (RBS) with channel stiffened column produce satisfactory result and warrants further study.