Abstract: Three specimens were designed and the low-cycle loading experiments，as well as finite element and theory analyses were performed for the self-centering beam-column connections using the bolted web friction devices( WFDs) in earthquake resilient steel frames，The comprehensive results indicated that the opening at beam-column interface and self-centering mechanism were realized in the procedure of loading and unloading of self-centering beam-column connections with WFDs． The hysteresis loops of specimens were observed to have a double-flag shape obviously． And their energy dissipation ratios( βE ) all satisfied the basic requirement that βE was greater than 0. 25 and the maximum PT force was below the 0. 9 yield PT force． During the whole experiment procedure，main structural components of specimens always kept elastic． The residual rotations was small and the goal of self-centering after earthquake was achieved． Besides，the increment of the initial PT force leads to an increase in the initial stiffness，stiffness after opening，opening critical moment and the maximum PT force in different degrees，but a gradual decrease in maximum opening rotation the downtrend in energy dissipation． The finite element analysis agreed well with matched the experimental data． The results of the theoretical models also agreed with those of the experiment and finite element analysis．