Behavior of Bolted Double Split‐Tee Web Connections in Planar Beam‐to‐Column Joints

Abstract

Bolted web connections to open‐section columns are widely employed in structural practice. Although conventionally classified as simple shear connections, research indicates that their response is often semi‐rigid. This paper presents an experimental and numerical investigation into the monotonic behavior of minor‐axis beam‐to‐column joints featuring double split‐tee connections. A full‐scale experimental test was conducted to characterize the moment‐rotation response. Finite Element (FE) simulations were validated against the experimental data, demonstrating high accuracy in predicting both global stiffness and local strain distributions. The findings identify the column web as the primary source of flexibility. Furthermore, the results provide a validated basis for refining analytical formulations of the faceplate component to account for the interaction of opposing out‐of‐plane forces within the framework of component‐based design.