ABSTRACT
This paper presents a research on the mechanical behavior of the bolted beam-to-column connections which permit yielding of the panel zone as an energy dissipating element for seismic design. The possible collapse mechanisms of the bolted beam-to-column connection are investigated and the collapse strength of each mechanism is formulated. The design procedure to ensure the yielding of the panel zone is shown and the advantage of the double-angle type connection is revealed. The results of full scale loading test showed stable hysteretic behavior of the bolted beam-to-column connections accompanied by yielding of the panel zone, and confirmed the validity of the strength and stiffness evaluation.
