Column Splice Specimen 14B: PJP Falnge Weld with End Returns and PJP Web Weld

This connnection joins a W14x455 & W14x342. The flange groove welds were single beveled with a weld return on the inner flange. The test objectives are to determine whether PJP-welded column splices have sufficient toughness and strength to resist demand incumbent upon column splices in SMRF system in regions of high seismicity. The specimen was subjected to a cyclic loading protocol that was generated through assessment of splice demands determined from non-linear time history analyses of model building subjected to suites of ground motions. Each specimen was tested in three-point bending such that the splice location was subjected to the highest bending moments in the smaller column in addition to moderate-to-high shear forces. This splice specimen was able to successfully resist the entire loading protocol. The specimen failed when, at the splice location, the full bending strength of the smaller column was exceeded.