Seismic performance of the enlarged beam section connection

Enlarged beam section (EBS) connection is a new moment connection developed to eliminate the shortcomings of conventional reduced beam section connections and fulfill desired performance. In EBS, the width of the flanges increases in specific locations between the desired plastic hinge and the column face of the beam to let the plastic hinge occur in a favorable region. Hence, the plastic hinge location can be controlled by manipulation of EBS parameters. In this study, the seismic performance of EBS connections under cyclic loading in the standard frameworks is investigated using finite‐element modeling. Before implementation the finite‐element model is verified by an experimental study on conventional connection. Utilizing optimum EBS parameters in the finite‐element modeling, no significant damage is predicted in weld lines and their vicinity, the column, and the connection zone. Also, no remarkable deformation or buckling instability is detected in the results. This indicates appropriate performance of the connection and formation of the plastic hinge in the desirable region. The requirements of various regulatory standards are achieved in terms on number of cycles and the total rotation. In addition, due to the ease of implementation, this connection type can be an excellent alternative to other moment connection types.