The deformation capacity of the H-section beam considering brittle fracture

The seismic behavior of steel members in structures will be influenced significantly by differences in material properties. In order to investigate the effects of the material property differences and shape ratio of the H-section on the rotation capacity of beam-to-column connections, finite element analyses are conducted in this study. In the case of the occurrence of a ductile crack at the beam-to-column connection, it is important to take into account both the width-to-thickness ratio and the ratio of the plastic section moduli of the web to that of the full H-section. The ranges of width-to-thickness ratio in which the rotation capacity of the beam-to-column connection is not defined by strength degradation but by the initiation of the ductile crack are indicated in this paper.