Abstract: A kind of Z-shaped all-bolted beam-to-column joint with double connection plates was proposed. The two specimens were designed by rigid connection philosophy in the paper. The quasi-static tests and finite element analysis were conducted for comparative study between the novel joint and conventional joint. The failure modes, hysteretic curves, skeleton curves, ductility factors, energy-dissipating capacities and anti-seismic performances were obtained. The results showed that the failure mode of Z-shaped beam-to-column bolted joint was the fracture on cantilever-beam flange connected to the column, and the web of the beam; the joints were rigidly and steadily connected, and there were no obvious sliding between the cover plates and the beam flanges; the dissipate energy mainly of specimens depended on the yield deformation; compared with the conventional joint, the Z-shaped joint possessed more stable hysteretic performance and larger displacement angle of failure; the bearing capacity of the novel joint was similar to the conventional joint, and its stiffness degradation trend was more low; the novel joint had a larger plastic development area, which could effectively improve the energy-dissipation performance, ductility and other seismic behaviors.