Finite Element Prediction of End Plate Bolted Connection Behavior. II: Analytic Formulation

Based on current knowledge of connection behavior and the evaluation of previous models provided in a former companion paper, the Richard-Abbott power function, a four-parameter model, is adopted in this study to represent the major axis M -φ relationship of extended end-plate connections. The paper presents the characteristics of the model together with a multiple-regression analysis procedure for deriving its parameters in terms of the connection description. The initial stiffness and moment parameters are also expressed as a linear combination of beam, column, and joint geometric subparameters. The analytic formulation is developed in two categories. The first part includes 34 cases of extended end plates connected to a column stiffened at the beam tension and compression flanges and the second group consists of 19 connections with no stiffener in the tension region. The practical application of the suggested predictive equations is demonstrated for both cases.