E-defense tests on the seismic performance of beam-to-column moment frame connections in high-rise steel buildings

Abstract

Two full-scale steel moment-resisting frames were constructed and tested at E-Defense to examine the performance of high-rise buildings subjected to long-period ground motions. Frame 1 adopted typical design and detailing from the 1970's employing both field- welded and shop-welded details for the moment frame connections. Frame 2 was identical to Frame 1 except that all connections were field-welded and upgraded using three strengthening methods. A number of connections in Frame 1 fractured during a simulated long- period motion. No damage was observed in Frame 2 until the same motion was repeated multiple times. The performance of field- welded connections in existing high-rise buildings and the effectiveness of upgrade methods are discussed.