Determining the Optimal Cutting Geometry of RBS Connection to Enhance Seismic Behavior in Steel Moment Frames

Recent earthquakes have shown the brittleness of steel moment frames (SMF) with weld connections. Moment-resisting steel constructions are damaged in earthquake-prone areas. According to study, cracking of the weld between the beam flange and column face and excessive loads in this region cause severe damage. For panel zone stress reduction, a Reduced Beam Section (RBS) connection may be beneficial. In this paper, three-dimensional finite element analyses are used to study the seismic performance of RBS beam–column connections with radius cut, straight cut, tapered cut, and drilled flanges-cut geometries (RBS-RC, RBS-SC, RBS-TC, and RBS-DF in the model) under cyclic loading. Results showed that the radius-cut cutting geometry increased the energy absorption capacity and ductility. It also implies the highest dissipates energy efficiently.