Proposing a New Detailing Scheme for Rigid Connection with Endplate without the Need for Welding in Column

Connections are among the most important elements in the behavior of a structure. Numerous detailing schemes have been proposed for steel connections, many of which involve welding. In many rigid connections, using continuity and double plates enhances the behavior of the panel zone. Although this leads to an improvement in the behavior of the connection, welding procedure associated with it offers some disadvantages. The aim of this study is to present a numerical and experimental assessment of a new detailing scheme for rigid connections endplates. In this detail, the welding on the column of the structure and the panel zone has been completely removed. A stiffened channel carries out the responsibilities of continuity and double plates. This stiffened channel is fixed to the column using bolts and nuts. First, multiple numerical models were constructed in ABAQUS and after pushover and hysteretic analyses, the best model was identified. Then, based on the results of the numerical models, two full-scale experimental models were built and subjected to hysteretic loading until the hysteretic curves experienced degradation. The first sample was the principal and standard model which was built based on the specifications of the BSEEP-4ES and AISC 358-16 guidelines for pre-qualified connections so that it can serve as a basis of comparison for the other sample. The second sample was the preferred model selected based on the numerical results, which was made by attaching a channel profile to two stiffeners and was meant to be a replacement for the standard model. Assessment of the obtained results showed that under loading, both models satisfied the seismic criteria for the special moment resisting connection. The proposed detailing exhibited a better behavior in terms of seismic parameters compared to the standard sample and was also easier to implement.