W12X22 and W12X96 Replaceable Shear Links with End Stiffeners

Due to the ductility and displacement the link component in the LCF system undergoes, the link-to-column connection sees larger strains than standard connections in the structure. To perform adequately the link-to-column connection must hold up under cyclic action. In order to ensure failure does not occur in the brittle end plate connection region, plastic strains must shifted toward the ductile center of the links. This experiment investigated varying methods through which to shift the plastic strains toward the center in a W12X22 flexure dominated link and a W12X96 shear dominated link. The effectiveness of utilizing stiffener plates on rolled W-sections was first analyzed, specifically the effects of varying stiffener configurations on the end plate connection and overall link behavior.