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, design rules, design consideration and benefits of the RBS are covered in previous Steel Advisor articles EQK1002 and EQK1003. This article illustrates the application of the RBS design rules by way of a design example.
Kevin Cowie
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