Pseudo-static test on stainless steel frame with high-strength bolted extended endplate joint

Many studies have been conducted on stainless steel materials, components and joints; however, experimental research on the seismic response of stainless steel structures is rare. This study reports pseudo-static loading tests on S2205 duplex stainless steel and Q355B carbon steel frames with high-strength bolted extended endplate beam-to-column joints. The two frames have the same geometric configuration and equivalent elastic limits (approximately 350 MPa). The detailed test processes and failure modes are presented. The Q355B carbon steel frame failed with extensive plastic deformation at the end of the beam, whereas the S2205 duplex stainless steel failed from fracture of the weld between the beam flange and endplate. The test results were analyzed at the global level (lateral load capacity, energy dissipation, etc.), beam-column joints (hysteresis curves), and yielding sequence. Owing to the considerable strain-hardening of stainless steel, the S2205 stainless steel frame had a higher loading capacity, whereas the Q355B carbon steel frame had a higher ductility and energy dissipation capacity.