Abstract: A shear beam-column connection includes a first beam, a first tapered bolt having a non-threaded portion and a threaded end portion, and a column including a first wedge slot block. The non-threaded portion of the first tapered bolt is fixedly secured, e.g., by welding, to the first beam. The wedge slot block includes a cavity for removably receiving the non-threaded portion of the first tapered bolt. The first wedge slot block is fixedly secured to the column, e.g., by welding. The first beam can be secured to the column by positioning the first beam adjacent the column such that the non-threaded portion of the bolt is inserted into the cavity. A nut can be threaded to the free end of the bolt to further secure the beam to the column.

Abstract: A damped reinforced joint for a beam-column connection is provided for improving the resistance of steel-framed buildings against progressive collapse. Prestressing cables extend across each joint, and each prestressing cable is partially encased within a bent pipe. Each bent pipe may have multiple bends, forming a rippled or undulating shape. The prestressing cables strengthen the connections in the joints, and the bent pipes provide damping for dissipation of seismic energy and the like, thus improving resistance to earthquakes and other seismic, vibratory and/or shock events to the building frame.

Abstract: The reinforced joint for a beam-column connection is provided for improving the resistance of steel-framed buildings against progressive collapse. Flange stiffening plates reinforce flanges of structural beams, with beam web stiffeners being attached to and extending between the flange stiffening plates. Additional column web stiffeners are attached to and extend between flanges of a structural column. A longitudinal cover stiffening plate is attached to the column stiffeners and the flange stiffening plates, extending across the joint and at least partially covering the beam web stiffeners. The reinforced joint between the structural beams and the structural column develops catenary action in the structural beams in the event of collapse.

Abstract: The strengthening system for beam-column connections in steel frame buildings to resist progressive collapse helps to mitigate progressive collapse in the event of accidental column loss by using a system of rippled steel plates reinforcing the beam-column connection. Various configurations of rippled steel plates are provided to connect in-plane and transverse beams at a joint. In the event of severe damage caused to a column of a steel framed building, the upper joints of the damaged column undergo downward movement. The rippled plates at the joint straighten during the initial downward movement, and resist further downward movement after complete straightening of the ripples. This helps in the development of catenary action in steel beams. The proposed system is simple, fast to construct, demountable, and easy to repair/replace after damage caused by blast loads.