Seismic Performance of Bolted Bracket Moment Resisting Connections

Construction of welded moment resisting connection is common. These connections have high potential for brittle failure of welds if quality of welding is not controlled. In this research new bolted bracket connection similar to Kaiser bolted bracket connection is introduced. Kaiser connection has invention patent so construction society can’t utilize them without authority. Proposed connection of this paper can be manufactured by both casting and welding methods and can eliminate patent problems. In this evaluation connection performance, pretention force of bolts, height of bracket, number of bolts and length of bracket have been evaluated. In modeling of connection in order to accuracy of results between different connected area and bolts faces contact elements were created. The standard cyclic history was selected for loading of specimens. The results shows that proposed connection can be accepted by connection code for using in special moment resisting frames from both ductility and strength aspects. Findings are extended as hysteresis curves, released energy of connection, rupture index indicators and slip of bolts.