Application of Stress Diffusers to Beam-to-Column Connection

A high degree of local bending was observed in the beam flange of a beam-to-column connection modeled with 3D finiteelement analyses. The regions of high stress concentration were shown to occur at the weld access hole and the intersection of the bottom beam flange and column flange. The use of a specially designed part termed a "stress diffuser" with a beam-to-column connection, in which the beam web and bottom beam flange are separated near the weld access hole, was found to eliminate the high stress concentration at the weld access hole and reduce the high degree of local bending in the beam flange by 49%. The maximum principal stress at 2.54 mm from the column face was reduced by 31%. ©2002 American Society of Civil Engineers