Performance improvement of rigid connection by reduced web section with cellular beam and column subjected to cyclic loading

The behaviour under cyclic loading of a cellular beam and cellular column on the beam-to-column rigid connection was studied. The main focus was at the connection when openings were implemented to the beam and column members. The study aims to determine the increase of the yield and ultimate strength of the whole rigid connection, the ductility of connection and the energy dissipation in each loading cycle. Finite element analysis with both nonlinear material and geometry was conducted. The results indicated that the implementation of a cellular member could increase the yield strength of the overall rigid connection by 28.81%, the ultimate load by 30.93% and the stiffness by 36.21% compared to the original.