Hysteresis behavior of square tube columns to H-beam connections with vertical stiffeners

This paper deals with confirming the usability of a new connection method for steel moment-resisting frames. The connections are strengthened with vertical stiffeners to connect square tube columns and H-shaped beams. Two test methods were selected with experimental parameters given as details. The first test is performed under symmetrical loading. Beams are simply supported on both ends and test load is applied to the top of the column. The second test is performed under anti-symmetric loading. The shape of test specimens is cruciform, with a beam and a column. The top end find base of the column are simply supported, and load is applied to both ends of the beam. Test results are summarized to investigate structural performances of the connection. Nonlinear FE analysis using ANSYS for moment-resisting frames was performed to confirm the test results. It was found that all specimens had sufficient capacities exceeding the full plastic strength of beam. Therefore, the connections strengthened with vertical stiffeners were successfully verified to have possibility as a new connection method for steel moment-frames.