The design of moment resisting seismic frames can by optimised with the use of reduced beam sections.
The design of moment resisting seismic frames can by optimised with the use of reduced beam sections. In a reduced beam section (RBS) moment connection (Figure 1) portions of the beam flanges are selectively trimmed in the region adjacent to the beam to column connection. Yielding and hinge formation are intended to occur primarily within the reduced section of the beam and there by limit the design actions and the inelastic deformation demands developed at the face of the column. The development, research and design rules of this type of connection are discussed in a previous Steel Advisor article EQK1002. This article highlights some of the design considerations and benefits of using reduced beam sections with moment resisting seismic frames.
Kevin Cowie
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