Cyclic behavior of beam-to-column connections with horizontal oblique angles.

This paper presents the elastoplastic behavior of beam-to-column connections with horizontally oblique angles under cyclic loading. We conducted a full-scale experiment and an element test to predict the critical sections of flanges subjected to tensile loading. Four element specimens were tested at different oblique angles. In the element test, strain concentration caused earlier failure of the specimens with oblique angles. Notably, the ductility of specimens with a 45° oblique angle decreased by 50% compared to those without an oblique angle. In the full-scale experiment, four specimens were tested. The hysteretic responses, skeleton curves, failure modes, and ductile performances of the specimens were analyzed. The experimental results from the full-scale experiment showed that all specimens, regardless of the oblique angles, exhibited stable hysteresis behavior and similar skeleton curves. Regarding failure modes, fractures occurred where local buckling developed, albeit with varying locations based on the oblique angle. However, strength deterioration behaviors following local buckling remained the same. A strain concentration phenomenon was observed at the beam end with analyzing strain range. Owing to local buckling, no apparent decrease in ductility with a change in the oblique angle was observed. • Oblique angles had little effect on the behavior of beam-to-column connections. • Larger oblique angles caused strain concentration in obtuse angle zones. • With increasing oblique angles, strength deterioration behavior was not affected. • Fatigue life with oblique angles was similar to that without oblique angles. • Premature fracture might appear at the obtuse angle zone of the beam end. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]