Seismic performance of ductile welded connections using T-stiffener

This study presents the development of the ductile detail of a T-stiffener added to existing moment connections. The seismic behavior of the aforementioned detail was investigated analytically as well as experimentally. A new design criterion is developed for a horizontal element of T-stiffener. Results of this study indicate that the crack propagation is eliminated using the new proposed procedure. This means that by utilizing a fillet weld as a replacement for a CJP groove weld in joining the T-stiffener to a beam flange eliminates crack propagation at the tip of the T-stiffener on the beam flange. In the experimental program, the specimens performed well during the test and reached a total story drift angle of 6% radians before experiencing 20% strength degradation.