Seismic demand assessment of code-designed continuity plate in panel zone.

This study investigated the seismic demand of continuity plates (CP) in Special Moment Frames (SMFs), including built-up I-shape beams. Six reference experiments for SMF connections were considered, including beams with unequal depths on both sides of the column, to compare the seismic demand for CP with the corresponding value of the AISC code formula. The effects of beam shape properties, connection type, shear strain of the panel zone (PZ), different construction detailing and straight/inclined CP in dual/trapezoidal PZ were included in this study. In addition, companion analytical studies were performed to evaluate CP seismic demand. The results of the experiments and numerical analyses showed that the AISC code underestimates seismic demand for CP in joints with beams having sizes outside the geometries of hot-rolled structural sections. Poor seismic performance of the code-designed CP led to premature yielding and out-of-plane local buckling of CP, which were observed in the reference experiments and confirmed by numerical models. Finally, an equation for CP seismic demand was developed based on findings of this research. It was demonstrated that the proposed seismic demand met the required seismic criteria using this equation, and it also kept CP within the safe structural margins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]