ABSTRACT
Abstract An extended investigation has been conducted at the University of Sheffield into the influence of the real moment-rotation response of joints on the behaviour of multistorey steel framed structures. It has sought to exploit the inherent stiffness of connections in non-sway frames which are traditionally assumed to act as pins but has also considered other aspects. The work was initially restricted to in-plane behaviour and involved the full-scale testing of joints - in isolation, as part of column subassemblages and as components in three storey two bay frames. The study was subsequently extended to cover full three dimensional action, again with tests on isolated joints, subassemblages and complete frames. The paper describes some of the findings of the programme but concentrates on the transfer of the experience gained from the two dimensional work and the way in which it subsequently influenced the later three dimensional programme. Keywords: Semi-rigid connections, steel frames, in-plane behaviour, 3-D frames.
