Beam-To-Column Connection Assemblies with Erection Support

Abstract

A beam-to-column connection assembly for a building, including a column having a fixture assembly mounted on a side face of the column, and a beam having a fixture assembly on an end portion of the beam. The fixture assemblies are engaged, forming a connection structure joining the column to the beam at a ninety degree angle. The connection structure provides a moment connection between the column and the beam when being assembled with additional beams and columns, and provides a simple connection between the column and beam when the building is fully constructed.

1 . A beam-to-column connection assembly for a building, comprising:
 a column having a fixture assembly mounted on a side face of the column, and   a beam having a fixture assembly on an end portion of the beam,   wherein the fixture assemblies are engaged forming a connection structure joining the column to the beam at a ninety degree angle, and   wherein the connection structure provides a moment connection between the column and beam when being assembled with additional beams and columns, and provides a simple connection between the column and beam when the building is fully constructed.   
     
     
         2 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the connection structure is a flexible moment connection. 
     
     
         3 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein transmission of bending moment between the column and beam is delayed for an initial rotational range. 
     
     
         4 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein a rotational stiffness of the connection structure is negligible over an initial rotational range, then increases after the initial rotational range. 
     
     
         5 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the beam is an I-beam having a web portion connecting an upper flange to a lower flange, the connection structure transferring shear and rotational loads through the beam web and at least one of the flanges. 
     
     
         6 . The assembly of  claim 5 , wherein the fixture assembly on the column includes a clip structure and the fixture assembly on the beam includes a first brace structure mounted on the upper flange, the first brace structure being coupled to the clip structure. 
     
     
         7 . The assembly of  claim 6 , wherein each of the first brace structure and the clip structure has at least one aperture, the first brace structure and clip structure being coupled via a pin extending through the apertures. 
     
     
         8 . The assembly of  claim 7 , wherein an elongate axis of the pin is oriented horizontally. 
     
     
         9 . The assembly of  claim 7 , wherein one of the apertures is elongated along an axis parallel to a long axis of the beam. 
     
     
         10 . The assembly of  claim 6 , wherein the first brace structure and clip structure are connected by a pin extending through a hole defined in the first brace structure or the clip structure. 
     
     
         11 . The assembly of  claim 10 , wherein an elongate axis of the pin is oriented vertically. 
     
     
         12 . The assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the hole has a greater width than the pin, as measured parallel to a long axis of the beam. 
     
     
         13 . The assembly of  claim 7 , wherein the first brace structure includes two angle iron members mounted on the upper flange, each of the angle iron members having an aperture for receiving a pin for locking engagement between the first brace structure and the clip structure. 
     
     
         14 . The assembly of  claim 7 , a second brace structure being mounted on the lower flange portion, the second brace structure being coupled to the clip structure. 
     
     
         15 . A construction assembly, comprising
 a steel beam having a first end portion including a web portion, a top flange portion, and a bottom flange portion,   a column having a side face, a beam engagement structure mounted on the side face of the column,   a first brace fixture mounted on the top flange portion, and   a second brace fixture mounted on the bottom flange portion,   wherein each of the first and second brace fixtures is connected to the beam engagement structure of the column, providing a moment connection between the beam and the column.   
     
     
         16 . The construction assembly of  claim 15 , wherein the beam engagement structure includes a clip structure configured for fastening the column to the web portion of the beam. 
     
     
         17 . The assembly of  claim 16 , wherein the clip structure has a shear connection portion and a moment connection portion. 
     
     
         18 . The assembly of  claim 16 , wherein each of the first and second brace fixtures has a fixture hole, the clip structure having an upper clip hole and a lower clip hole, each of the brace fixture holes being aligned with and pinned to one of the clip holes. 
     
     
         19 . The assembly of  claim 16 , wherein each of the first and second brace fixtures includes a pair of angle iron members mounted on an upper surface of the top flange portion, each of the angle iron members having a hole for receiving a pin to lock engagement of the brace fixture to the clip structure. 
     
     
         20 . A beam-to-column connection assembly for a building, comprising:
 a column having a fixture assembly mounted on a side face of the column, and   a beam having a fixture assembly on an end portion of the beam,   wherein the fixture assemblies are engaged forming a connection structure joining the column to the beam at a ninety degree angle, wherein the connection structure includes means for providing a moment connection when the column and beam are being assembled with additional beams and columns, and providing a simple connection between the column and beam when the building is fully constructed.