Parameters affecting response and design of Steel Moment Frame Reduced Beam Section connections: An overview

The most crucial parameters that affect the response as well as the design of Steel Moment Frame (SMF) Reduced Beam Section (RBS) connections are discussed. After a brief historical background concerning the development of RBS connections, according to the reviewed literature these highly interdependent parameters are: (a) connection strength, (b) RBS profiles/sizing and location, (c) stiffness of beam, moment frame and connection, (d) use of deep columns and associated instability phenomena, (e) existence of composite floor slabs/lateral bracing, (f) strength and ductility of the column panel zone-beam instability, (g) connection type and (h) column axis orientation. Their effect on the design and the seismic performance of RBS connections is presented and recommendations, for future research required, in order to fully implement and refine the RBS concept in European Standards and Practices, are given.