ABSTRACT
Enormous failures of moment frame welded connections in the earthquakes of Northridge and Kobe gave impetus for renewed research into the use of bolted connections for high seismic zones. Test results of 24 full-size beam-column assemblies employing bolted semi-rigid connections are summarized in this paper. The beam is 604 mm deep, larger than typical sizes used in the prior studies on semi-rigid connections. For connecting the beam flange to column, either an angle or tee section was used, and they were designed to produce relatively high stiffness, strength, and ductility. For bolt-connecting the beam web to column, instead of conventionally used double angle, a shear tab with slotted holes was used. Analysis of the connection is explained in a companion paper (Part II, Xu et al. 2000).
