Prediction of Cyclic Behavior of WUF-W Connections with Various Weld Access Hole Configurations Using Nonlinear FEA

Abstract

The welded unreinforced flange-welded web (WUF-W) moment connection is one of seven prequalified connections for the special moment frames (SMF) specified in AISC 358-10. Previous studies reported that some WUF-W connections with a steep access hole slope failed before completing a loading cycle of 4% drift ratio. For investigating in detail the effect of access hole geometry including access hole slopes on the connection behavior, experimental tests require excessive costs and efforts because there are the large number of combinations of configuration parameters for access hole geometry. In this study, the cyclic behavior of WUF-W connections is evaluated using three-dimensional nonlinear finite element (FE) analyses with an adequate solid element and failure index. Based on the results of FEA, the effect of configuration parameters on the connection behavior is investigated.