Large scale tests of steel frames with semi-rigid connections under quasi-static cyclic loading

The paper presents a test series consisting of six large scale frames under quasi-static cyclic loading. The purpose of the tests is to examine the frame behaviour under such loads and to look at the behaviour of the connections as part of a frame. The frames are two-storey one-bay structures built up from welded I sections, which are connected by flush end plate type joints. The detailing of the joints is such that it ensures sufficient rotation capacity for a plastic hinge to occur within the joint; and the applied lateral restraint system prevents the premature occurrence of global buckling phenomena. Loading consists of vertical loads applied in a proportionally increasing manner, and a set of horizontal loads applied in load cycles at levels of vertical loads. The paper provides a detailed description of the testing methods and an overview of the test results. The presented results include behaviour curves representative to the behaviour of the frame as a whole. The presentation of the results is supplemented with specific observations related to the behaviour of connections.