Abstract
This paper examines the response of reduced beam section (RBS) beam-to-column connections, through detailed nonlinear numerical assessments validated against four tests with distinct structural and geometry parameters. After describing the main test response parameters and failure modes, the modelling procedures and numerical results are presented. It is shown that three-dimensional models incorporating solid elements assigned with plastic multilinear kinematic hardening material representations can predict reliably the stiffness, strength, and overall hysteretic response. The modelling procedures adopted were also able to capture local buckling, out-of-plane connection bending and overall deformations. To verify the numerical response, the plastic strain development versus the number of cycles was assessed for the main connection components and compared with established plastic strain-life, local buckling, and ultimate plastic rotation criteria. It is shown that this approach can be used to estimate the sequence of failure and potential weld fracture, in conjunction with the load-displacement and joint strain maps. The procedures adopted in this paper can be used to reliably assess the performance of RBS connections, enabling future nonlinear parametric studies for such configurations.