Experimental investigation of bolted link-to-column connections in eccentrically braced frames

Link-to-column connections in eccentrically braced frames should transfer the large shear and moment induced in a fully plastic and strain-hardened link. Previous studies have shown that most link-to-column connections fail before achieving the required plastic link-rotation capacity. In this paper, experimental tests were carried out on long link-to-column connections. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate whether bolted angle connections can be suitable for connecting long links to columns. The T-stub connection, as well as the top and seat angle connection with a web angle, was selected. The test parameters included the strength of the connection which was changed by altering the connection details. The test results indicated that the proposed connections can successfully achieve the desired rotations without any strength loss. Based on the results, it is recommended that the bolted connections whose strength is about the same as that of the link are used to connect long links to columns.