Baseplate column connection under bending: Experimental and numerical study

Abstract In the past baseplate column connections have not received much attention from scientists. Only very simple elastic or plastic models are in common use for moment resisting bases. The aim of this paper is to present some experimental and numerical study for such a connection. Unstiffened rectangular baseplates with constant shape have been welded to different types of columns with square, rectangular, circular, channel and I cross-section. The assembly was then connected to a concrete foundation with four anchorage bolts and submitted to pure bending till the baseplate failed. Experimental applied bending moment curves versus deflections were recorded and the plastic behaviour of the baseplate was identified. The failure mechanism was approximated by yield-line analysis and the plastic moment was obtained. The kinamatic study was completed by a static study with a non-linear finite element program taking account: • - material and geometrical non-linear behaviour of the baseplate; • - non-linear contact with concrete foundation. • Comparison between theory and experiment is made and practical conclusions are obtained.