Behavior of Steel Reduced Beam Web (RBW) Connections with Arch-Shape Cut

This study aimed to increase the ductility of post-Northridge connections. To achieve this goal the beam web height was reduced by creating an arch shape cut in the beam web. A parametric study was done on the length and the height of the cut portion and its distance to the column face. Parametric studies were done by using different beam lengths and heights. Analytical results showed that the highest connection strength and ductility can be achieved when the center line of the reduced part is at a distance equal to the beam depth from the column face with the arch length equal to two times of the arch height. Results also indicated a remarkable stress and strain concentration at the intersection of the flat and the arch parts of the beam flange. Filleting these locations and adding vertical stiffeners at the beam web were effective to increase the connection ductility and strength respectively.