Abstract
The empirical AISC panel zone thickness provision$(t_z\geq(d_z+w_z)$/90) to prevent the cyclic shear buckling of the panel zone was proposed based on the test data of Krawinkler et al. (1971) and Bertero et al. (1973) However, no published records of the equation development or any other background information appear to be available. The calibrated finite element analysis results of this study indicated that the AISC provision was not reasonable. In this study, through including the effects of the column axial force and the aspect ratio of the panel zone, a new equation for the relative strength between the beam and the panel zone was proposed such that the proposed equation can prevent the panel zone shear buckling and reduce the potential fracture associated with the kinking of the column flanges.
