Finite Element Prediction of End Plate Bolted Connection Behavior. I: Parametric Study

It is prohibitively expensive to store M-ϕ relationships for all practical connection types and sizes. Therefore, an appropriate solution is to derive and store a single “standardized” moment-rotation function for each connection type in terms of its geometric parameters. To that end, a parametric study was carried out using three-dimensional (3D) model of the connection through inelastic finite element analysis. The paper evaluates previous standardized functions used to model M-ϕ characteristics and includes a discussion of the important parameters affecting connection behavior. The study covers connection to a column stiffened at the beam tension and compression flanges together with a column with no stiffener in the tension region. The effect of column flange strength, especially for a light column even when stiffened, is emphasized throughout the paper.