Shear instability of panel zone in beam-to-column connections

In this paper, the problem of shear buckling in the panel zone of beam-to-column connections is examined. In particular, following the application of the shear buckling theory for rectangular plates, both in the elastic and in the plastic field, and a critical review of American and European provisions for panel zones, a parametric FEM analysis using ABAQUS Code is carried out on beam-to-column connections. The comparison of the analysed code provisions with the numerical and experimental results shows a good agreement of the American provisions; on the contrary, some drawbacks are identified in the application of the European provisions. Thus, in order to exclude any buckling phenomena, some possible improvements are proposed in terms of panel zone slenderness limit.

Research highlights
► We examine the problem of shear buckling in the panel zone of beam-to-column connections.
► We review the shear buckling theory of plates and US and European provisions.
► We perform a parametric FEM analysis on beam-to-column connections.
► We suggest improvements of European Codes in terms of panel zone slenderness limit.