Abstract: A brief history of the engineering in the United States and  Japan is put forward and current design methods are summarized.Bearing capacity calculation formulas are deduced for the design of panel zone with different section depths of beams in two sides.The methods to adjust the sections of beams and columns are proposed for insufficient bearing capacity.The reasons that the yield capacity of standard panel zone is not easy to achieve are analysed.

Key words: steel frame, beam column, panel zone