Seismic performance of riveted connections

The results of tests on seven full-scale T-stub riveted connections are described. The differences in connector behavior between modem bolts and older rivets are discussed, and the effect of encasement on the strength, stiffness, and ductility of older steel connections is highlighted. The results indicate that riveted connections will be controlled by the shear deformations of the rivets, which results in highly pinched hysteresis behavior. While substantial stiffness and strength losses occurred at the same deformation level as a result of cyclic load reversals, the connections exhibited great ductility. The effect of the encasement was significant up to rotations of about 0.03 radians. After that level the encasement, which contains little or no transverse reinforcement, began to spall and the behavior reverted back to that of a steel only structure. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.