A Comparative Study of Data-Driven Analysis of Reduced Web Section (RWS) Connections

This study presents a data-driven assessment of welded Reduced Web Section (RWS) beam-to-column connections subjected to the AISC 341 cyclic loading protocol. An ABAQUS finite element framework, validated against five full-scale subassemblies, then supported a parametric investigation of 7,575 simulations spanning IPE 270 to IPE 600 sections, steel grades S235 to S355, and span-to-depth ratios from 6 to 14. The results show that 98.5% of specimens achieve interstorey drifts above 4% with less than 20% strength degradation, satisfying AISC requirements for special moment frames. Furthermore, appropriate adjustment of the RWS geometric parameters can promote elastic, or near elastic, behaviour at the column face while maintaining a moment capacity close to that of the corresponding solid beam. However, large web openings located very close to the column face reduce peak moment and amplify local stress demand around web openings, particularly in heavier beams. Within a geometry corridor defined by opening diameters of 30% to 40% of beam depth and locations of 80% to 100% of beam depth from the column face, specimens exhibit the largest increases in cumulative dissipated energy, up to 39%, while satisfying the 4% interstorey drift criterion. Overall, a well-proportioned RWS geometry provides a viable option for the seismic retrofit of existing welded moment connections in post-Northridge and post-Kobe practice, with minimal impact on moment strength. Selection of geometries that satisfy specific performance targets is facilitated by an accompanying interactive dashboard presented in the Supplementary Material.