Design and Behavior of Beam-to-Column Joints Connected to the Column Web or the Faces of a Tubular Column

Resumen

The behavior of steel beam to column joints connecting I-section beams to the web of I-section columns or the faces of tubular columns is strongly influenced by the deformability of the column web or face. This component, denoted face plate, is currently tackled with various approaches based on distinct assumptions, depending on the specific typology that is being considered, leading to significant deviations from the real observed behavior. This paper address is the development of a general design methodology for these joints. Firstly, full characterization of the nonlinear behaviour of the face plate component is presented, supported by validation with experimental tests and advanced finite element simulation. Subsequently, the global behaviour of the relevant joint typologies is characterized, incorporating the contribution of the face plate component. Finally, a proposal for the codification of the complete design process is presented, complemented by its application to practical design cases.