ABSTRACT
Two welded plate bend models, which were designed to represent a connection of an I-section beam to an RHS column member with through diaphragms, were tested under cyclic loads. The specimens consisted of 25 mm thick flange plate, 32 mm thick diaphragm and 25 mm thick rib plates. All plates were grade SN490B. Complete joint penetration (CJP) groove welds were used for the connection between the beam flange and the diaphragm. Weld metal was produced by electrodes designated as YGW-11. Stringer passes were used for all welding and heat inputs during welding were approximately 20 kJ/cm for each layer. The configuration of the specimen is shown in Figure 1. For the WRTC specimen, through cracks, which were made by using machine cutting and fatigue cracks, were installed on the weld toes at the edge of the diaphragm plate. The plastic constraint at the crack tips of the specimen was close to that of the double edge notched tension (DENT) specimens. For the GWSC specimens, surface cracks, which were made by using machine cutting, were installed on the weld toes at the edge of the flange plates. The locations of each defect are shown in Figure 2.
