Analysis of column web panel in shear for asymmetrical steel joints using finite elements models

Resumen: The characterization of the behaviour of the column web panel in shear is very important for the determination of rigidity and resistance of steel joints. Different authors have studied this problem for the case of symmetrical joints, in which both beams of the joint have the same size. However, it is difficult to determine this behaviour in the case of asymmetric beam to column joints, with beams of different height on both sides of the column. This asymmetry leads to a column web panel in shear that forms a trapezium. Current codes do not consider the asymmetric case. In this work, the results of four experimental tests, involving asymmetric welded beam to column joints, are showed. Abaqus® code has been used to model these joints, and the obtained results are shown. The results show the nonlinear moment-rotation behaviour of the panel. A parametric study will allow the development of an analytical formulation for the shear web panel stiffness and resistance in asymmetrical joints.