Compression zone with partial stiffeners in beam-to-column steel connections

Abstract The compression zone in beam-to-column connection can generally imply the use of transverse stiffeners. This paper presents the results of experimental tests to evaluate the strength of steel panels with various transverse stiffener configurations under concentrated load. These results are used to validate the developed finite element models. Twelve panels made of either hot rolled I-sections or welded I-sections have been tested. Different transverse stiffeners are studied including single sided, double sided and partial stiffeners. The main observed results are the maximum strength and the failure mode. The results of the experimental tests are compared with those given by the finite element model using shell elements. The comparison makes it possible to calibrate the nonlinear model considering the elastic-plastic behavior of materials and large displacements. Furthermore, the results are compared with existing analytical formulas for unstiffened and fully stiffened panels to evaluate their accuracy.