Reduced beam section moment connections subjected to cyclic loading: Experimental analysis and FEM simulation

Reduced beam section (RBS) moment resisting connections are among the most economical and practical rigid steel connections developed in the aftermath of the 1994 Northridge and the 1995 Kobe earthquakes. Although the RBS connection effectiveness was widely investigated using US design and construction practices, only limited data exist from European research. In the present paper the results of an experimental study of RBS moment connection with radius cut subjected to cyclic loading and using the HEA profiles, widely used as beam members in Europe, is presented. A theoretical model is also created with the finite element method and the results are compared with those obtained from the experimental study. The analyses confirm the need for readjustment of the geometrical characteristics of the RBS in order to apply to the European profiles.