Hysteretic Behaviour of Composite Reduced Web Section (RWS) Connections for Seismic Applications

Whilst there has been research about reduced web section beams; RWS, their seismic behaviour when they are overlaid by slabs is not well understood. This study addresses this assessing a high-definition finite element representation of non-seismically detailed RWS connections with slabs. The composite action investigated, focusing on effects the size and location openings. These can reach 4% interstorey drift, thus comprising special moment frames in accordance AISC 341. Moreover, beam, column, joint tearing were avoided entirely, at most, brittle failure bolts end plate was observed.