ABSTRACT
A number of beam-to-RHS column connections with various weld defects are modeled numerically. The weld defects are the same as those observed during the Kobe Earthquake and in the past full-scale tests. Focusing on fractures from weld defects, a procedure to evaluate fracture moments of beam-to-column connections is proposed based on a series of numerical analyses. Matrices showing the fracture moments as a function of the size and location of weld defects and the material toughness are presented. In addition, the rotation capacity of the beams in the beam-to-column assemblies is presented based on the past extensive test results and FE analyses.
