Cyclic Behavior of Very Short Steel Shear Links

A replaceable coupling beam is proposed comprising of steel hybrid shear links that are shorter than typical shear links in eccentrically braced frames (EBFs). Cyclic loading tests were conducted to examine the behavior of these very short shear links. The test variables included the steel type, length ratio, web stiffener configuration, and loading protocol. The link specimens showed two types of failure modes: link web fracture and fracture at the weld connecting link flange to end plate. The link specimens had an inelastic rotation capacity of approximately 0.14 rad, which is significantly larger than the capacity assumed for EBF links. Links using LY225 steel instead of Q235 steel achieved a 25% increase in inelastic rotation and 44% increase in cumulative plastic rotation. The overstrength factors of the very short shear links reached 1.9, significantly exceeding 1.5, which is the value assumed for EBF links by design provisions. Analysis suggests that large overstrength can develop in very short shear links due to the contribution of flanges and cyclic hardening of web steel under large plastic strains. In addition, axial deformation was measured as the links underwent inelastic shear deformation. (C) 2015 American Society of Civil Engineers.