Cyclic loading tests of duplex stainless steel beam-to-column joints with WUF-W connection

Abstract

Welded unreinforced flange-welded web (WUF-W) connection is one kind of all-welded connection which is a common beam-to-column joint type in steel structures. In order to study the seismic performance of duplex stainless steel beam-to-column joints with WUF-W connection, cyclic loading tests were conducted on three specimens with different joint panel thickness and axial compression ratio. According to the test results, the failure modes of joints were captured. The moment-story drift angle curves were obtained, based on which the ultimate loading capacity and story drift angle were measured. All the test specimens showed good seismic performance and proved the applicability of such connections, but with some differences. Furthermore, the applicability of specifications for the design of steel structure joints to the design of duplex stainless steel joints was investigated, but it turned out unreliable and needs more investigation. In addition, the energy dissipation of the joint was studied. A weak joint panel may contribute more to the energy dissipation of the whole joint. Finally, some suggestions on the design of duplex stainless steel joints were proposed for engineering application.