Particularities of the beam-to-column joints in steel structures placed in seismic areas

Abstract

Steel structures are very widespread in areas with high seismic activity due to high performance, and relatively simple and fast execution. This paper describes the drawbacks of the types of classic joint used up to 1994 Northridge and 1995 Kobe earthquake. Also, this paper describes the new types of joints that were designed to eliminate their drawbacks and optimized for better behavior and the guiding of the plastic hinge into the beam, according to the principle of “strong column – weak beam” which suppose that the plastic hinge should are allowed in the ends of the beams and the base of the column at the first level. The main scope of the steel beam-to-column joins is absorbing energy from seismic actions and ductility behavior. Most of codes and rules regulates the principle of designing of the steel beam-to-column, and the behavior of the joins.