CCEER-97-4: Cyclic Behavior of Richmond-San Rafael Tower Links

Abstract

This report describes an experimental investigation on the cyclic behavior of built-up shear links. Two full scale specimens were tested under severe cyclic deformation to determine their ultimate strength, plastic rotation, and failure mode. The test results showed that built-up shear links posses ductile behavior since flange local buckling can be delayed until significant plastic rotation is achieved. The ultimate strength of the two tested links exceeded the code specified value by almost 31%. This conclusion is important since the validity of the of Eccentric Braced Frames as a acceptable seismic framing system mainly depends of limiting the inelastic activity to the shear link while the other elements outside the shear link stay in the elastic range. The plastic hinge rotation of BU30 and BU16 specimens exceeded the code specified 8% radians. The failure mode of BU30 was a brittle fracture in the bottom flange of the shear link next to the connection of the eccentric brace. The failure mode of BUI 6 was the fracture of the web.