Seismic Performance of Exposed Column–Base Plate Connections with Ductile Anchor Rods

This paper presents full-scale experiments and computational analyses on exposed column–base plate connections with ductile anchors. The aim is to examine the seismic performance of these for their prospective use as weak bases, wherein steel moment frames are designed concentrate inelastic rotations in base rather than connected columns. feature upset thread anchor rods which threads milled a smooth shank, providing designated stretch length over deformations may be concentrated. shank frictionally isolated from footing using polyethylene tape. four investigate effects axial force, rod diameter, material grade. test specimens withstand (without failure) application two Applied Technology Council–the Joint Venture partners Structural Engineers Association California, Council, Consortium Universities Research Earthquake Engineering (ATC-SAC) protocols applied consecutively (each drift amplitudes 5%), followed by additional cycles 6.5% amplitude. Complementary line element–based continuum finite-element simulations conducted what extent experimentally observed response generalized untested configurations. Implications design summarized, along limitations study.