Evaluation of extreme load performance of pre-Northridge connections

Abstract

Disastrous consequences of a partial collapse of the Ronan Point apartment in 1968, along with the 1994 Northridge earthquake, exposed the vulnerability of steel moment frames subjected to extreme loading. The reports of these two catastrophic events revealed the significant role of the beam-to-column connection where the damage was mainly formed. A numerical and experimental investigation was conducted in accordance with 2010 AISC Seismic Provisions and UFC 4-023-03 Guideline. An inadequate cyclic behaviour and rotational capacity resulted from the analysis where the fracture in the vicinity of groove welding was due to a poorly designed connection.