Physical experiments are widely used in structural engineering for the validation of finite
element models and the establishment and assessment of design provisions. However, while
there exists an abundance of member-level test data, there is a clear need for further
benchmark frame-level test data, particularly given the growing trend for advanced systemlevel simulation and design. Towards meeting this need, and exploiting state-of-the-art
measurement techniques, tests on eight high strength steel frames are presented herein. The
tested frames were fixed-base, single storey, unbraced in-plane and made up of welded S690
steel I-section members. Two section sizes, of different local slenderness, were employed to
assess the influence of local buckling on cross-section strength and the potential for plastic
redistribution of forces within the frames. All the frames were laterally restrained out-ofplane using a bespoke lateral bracing system, but free to deform in-plane. The frames were
subjected to different combinations of horizontal and vertical loading, in order for beam,
sway and combined mode mechanisms to form. Extensive use was made of digital image
correlation in order to obtain detailed information on the deformation of the frames and their
components. The test setup, instrumentation, loading procedures and frame structural
Yun X, Zhu YF, Wang ZX, Gardner L. Benchmark tests on high strength steel I-section
frames. Engineering Structures, (Accepted).
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response, including load-deformation characteristics, failure modes and connection rotational
stiffnesses are fully reported. The experimental data indicated that, despite the lower ductility
and strain hardening of HSS relative to normal strength steel (NSS), HSS frames with stocky
cross-sections have the ability to form plastic hinges with sufficient rotation capacity to
achieve a considerable amount of inelastic moment redistribution; the potential for extending
plastic design to HSS structures has therefore been demonstrated. The test results also
provide a firm basis for the validation of advanced numerical models and system-level design
approaches.