NEW ALTERNATIVES FOR CONTINUITY PLATES IN I-BEAM TO BOX COLUMNS CONNECTIONS

Due to the closed shape of box columns and difficult access to its inside for developing a reliable load path regarding rigid I-beam to box columns connections, in this study, some alternatives have been suggested to replace continuity plates. These alternatives are: two triangular plates, two rectangular plates and added stiff web. To evaluate the efficiency of these suggested alternatives, using ANSYS software, several beam-column connections in each alternative have been modeled. Based on the finite element results the behavior of I-beam connection to steel box column has been studied. Then the effects of suggested stiffeners on connection stiffness, strength and ductility have been investigated. The results showed that each of the suggested methods might be a good alternative for rigid connection with internal uniform continuity plates. However specimens of additional stiffened webs achieved highest connection strength and ductility.