ABSTRACT
In this paper, the cyclic performance of welded flange plate beam-to-box column connections was studied with focus on joints without continuity plates. The effect of continuity plates elimination on the stiffness and strength of these joints was investigated by a series of numerical analyses. In addition, new reinforcement details with Vertical Edge Stiffeners (VES) were proposed to reduce the plastic deformation demand on Completed Joint Penetration welds (CJPs). Results showed that continuity plates are important elements for the strength and stiffness of this kind of joint. In absence of continuity plates, all plastic deformations concentrated on the CJPs welds and column wall that could initiate undesirable modes of fracture. Finally, plastic deformation demand on the joints revealed that using vertical edge stiffeners transferred the plastic strain concentration from CJPs to beam plastic hinge.
