• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.48 no.5
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• pp.547-564
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• 2023

This study investigates the effect of bolt preloading on the rotational stiffness of stainless steel end-plate connections. An experimental programme incorporating 11 full-scale joint specimens are carried out comparing the behaviours of fully pre-tensioned (PT) and snug-tightened (ST) flush/extended end-plate connections, made of austenitic or lean duplex stainless steels. It is observed from the tests that the presence of bolt preloading leads to a significant increase in the rotational stiffness. A parallel finite element analysis (FEA) validated against the test results demonstrates that the geometric imperfection of end-plate has a strong influence on the moment-rotation response of preloaded end-plate connections, which is crucial to explain the observed "two-stage" behaviour of these connections. Based on the data obtained from the tests and FE parametric study, the performance of the Eurocode 3 predictive model is evaluated, which exhibits a significant deviation in predicting the rotational stiffness of stainless steel end-plate connections. A modified bi-linear model, which incorporates three key properties, is therefore proposed to enable a better prediction. Finally, the effect of bolt preloading is demonstrated at the system (structure) level considering the serviceability of semi-continuous stainless steel beams with end-plate connections.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.33-53
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• 2006

The rotational behaviour of bolted extended end plate beam-to-column connections is evaluated in the context of the component method. The full moment-rotation response is characterized from the force-deformation curve of the individual joint components. The deformability of end plate connections is mostly governed by the bending of the column flange and/or end plate and tension elongation of the bolts. These components form the tension zone of the joint that can be modelled by means of "equivalent T-stubs". A systematic analytical procedure for characterization of the monotonic force-deformation behaviour of individual T-stub connections is proposed. In the framework of the component method, the T-stub is then inserted in the joint spring model to generate the moment-rotation response of the joint. The procedures are validated with the results from an experimental investigation of eight statically loaded extended end plate bolted moment connections carried out at the Delft University of Technology. Because ductility is such an important property in terms of joint performance, particularly in the partial strength joint scenario, special attention is given to this issue.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.569-590
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• 2022

This paper presents a combined experimental and numerical study on stainless steel end-plate connections, with an emphasis placed on their ultimate behaviour and rotation capacity. In the experimental phase, six connection specimens made of austenitic and lean duplex stainless steels are tested under monotonic loads. The tests are specifically designed to examine the close-to-failure behaviour of the connections at large deformations. It is observed that the rotation capacity is closely related to fractures of the stainless steel bolts and end-plates. In the numerical phase, an advanced finite element model suitable for fracture simulation is developed. The incorporated constitutive and fracture models are calibrated based on the material tests of stainless steel bolts and plates. The developed finite element model exhibits a satisfactory accuracy in predicting the close-to-failure behaviour of the tested connections. Finally, the moment resistance and rotation capacity of stainless steel end-plate connections are assessed based on the experimental tests and numerical analyses.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.18 no.5
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• pp.1215-1237
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• 2015

The majority of connections in moment resisting frames are considered as being fully-rigid. Consequently, the real behavior of the connection, which has some level of flexibility, is ignored. This may result in inaccurate predictions of structural response. This study investigates the influence of flexibility of the extended end-plate connections in the steel moment frames. This is done at two levels. First, the actual micro-behavior of extended end-plate moment connections is explored with respect to joint flexibility. Then, the macro-behavior of frames with end-plate moment connections is investigated using modal, nonlinear static pushover and incremental dynamic analyses. In all models, the P-Delta effects along with material and geometrical nonlinearities were included in the analyses. Results revealed considerable differences between the behavior of the structural frame with connections modeled as fully-rigid versus those when flexibility was incorporated, specifically difference occurred in the natural periods, strength, and maximum inter-story drift angle.

• Journal of Korean Society of Steel Construction
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.585-596
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• 2009

In the construction of end-plate connections, the end-plate is welded to the end of the beam in a factory and fastened by bolts in the field. This connection is widely used in advanced countries such as European countries and the U.S. Its design and connection details are prescribed in Eurocode 3, AISC LRFD, and FEMA 350. In Korea, the standards for seismic design in KBC 2005 have been reinforced based on IBC 2000 in the U.S., and it is expected that the connection details in the U.S. will be adopted for the establishment of beam-to-column design standards. In the U.S. thick end-plates are used for the connections to prevent beam rupture. The use of the connections in Korea, however, may lead toover-design. In this experimental study, the design standards for the end-plate connections provided by FEMA-350 were analyzed and structural tests for six specimens were conducted with the variables being the shim plate and the connection shape, to provide the best specifications for connections with plastic deformation in the end-plate for use in Korea.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.493-499
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• 2017

The behaviour of steel frames is highly influenced by the beam-column connections. Traditionally, Steel frames were usually designed assuming that connections are ideally pinned or fully rigid. A semi-rigid connection, however, creates a balance between the two extreme approaches mentioned above. In this research, two full scales of Extended End Plate Connections (EEPCs) were tested. Mathematical and numerical models were used to analyse the connections, and close correlations were found between these models and the corresponding tested specimens, which confirmed the confidence in the experimental results. The experimental results obtained enrich the available test data about behaviour of EEPC. In addition, the purpose of studying EEPC experimentally is to compare the stiffness and moment-rotation curve of EEPCs with that of Cap Plate Connections (CPCs), which were tested in a previous work. CPCs have not been studied sufficiently in the literature. The results obtained show that the typical CPC reduces the connection stiffness and these results will make a valuable contribution to the available test data in the research area of CPC.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.89 no.2
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• pp.155-170
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• 2024

Several types of column-beam connections are used in the design of steel structures. This situation causes different cross-section effects and, therefore, different displacements and deformations. In other words, connection elements such as welds, bolts, continuity plates, end plates, and stiffness plates used in steel column-beam connections directly affect the section effects. This matter reveals the necessity of knowing the steel column-beam connection behaviours. In this article, behaviours of bolted column-beam connection with end plate widely used in steel structures are investigated comparatively the effects of the stiffness plates added to the beam body, the change in the end plate thickness and bolt diameter. The results obtained reveal that the moment and force carrying capacity of the said connection increases with the increase in the end plate thickness and bolt diameter. In contrast, it causes the other elements to deform and lose their capacity. This matter shows that optimum dimensions are very important in steel column-beam connections. In addition, it has been seen that adding a stiffness plate to the beam body part positively contributes to the connection's moment-carrying capacity.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.87-103
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• 2007

This paper presents some of the results from an experimental research project on the behavior of extended end-plate connections subjected to moment conducted at the Structural Laboratory of Jordan University of Science and Technology. Since the connection behavior affects the structural frame response, it must be included in the global analysis and design. In this study, the behavior of six full-scale stiffened and unstiffened cantilever connections of HEA- and IPE-sections has been investigated. Eight high strength bolts were used to connect the extended end-plate to the column flange in each case. Strain gauges were installed inside each of the top six bolts in order to obtain experimentally the actual tension force induced within each bolt. Then the connection behavior is characterized by the tension force in the bolt, extended end-plate behavior, moment-rotation relation, and beam and column strains. Some or all of these characteristics are used by many Standards; therefore, it is essential to predict the global behavior of column-beam connections by their geometrical and mechanical properties. The experimental test results are compared with two theoretical (equal distribution and linear distribution) approaches in order to assess the capabilities and accuracy of the theoretical models. A simple model of the joint is established and the essential parameters to predict its strength and deformational behavior are determined. The equal distribution method reasonably determined the tension forces in the upper two bolts while the linear distribution method underestimated them. The deformation behavior of the tested connections was characterized by separation of the column-flange from the extended end-plate almost down to the level of the upper two bolts of the lower group and below this level the two parts remained in full contact. The neutral axis of the deformed joint is reasonably assumed to pass very close to the line joining the upper two bolts of the lower group. Smooth monotonic moment-rotation relations for the all tested frames were observed.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.253-269
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• 2014

Among the various alternatives to make a steel tubular member connection, making a slotted and gusset plate welded connection is one of the most frequently preferred alternatives. This type of connection is essentially an end connection that is made by slotting the tube longitudinally, inserting the gusset plate and then placing longitudinal fillet welds at the tube-to-plate interface. In this paper an experimental study on the behaviour of such connections in stainless steel is presented. 24 specimens were tested under concentrically applied axial tensile forces for varying tube-to-gusset plate weld lengths. Both circular and box section members were considered in the test program. Load-deformation curves were obtained and comparisons were made in terms of strength and ductility. The results obtained from the study were then critically examined and compared with currently available design guidance for slotted gusset plate welded tubular end connections. It is noted that no specific rules exist in international specifications on structural stainless steel which cover the design of such connections. Therefore, the results of this study are compared with the existing design rules for carbon steel.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.215-228
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• 2014

Traditional beam connections to the minor axis of a column have relatively low strength and stiffness. A modified detail, using a plate welded between the toes of the column flange - referred to as a toe plate connection - is examined in this paper. The results of an experimental investigation for both flush and extended end-plate connections connected to a 25 mm thick end-plate are presented. The tests are complemented by finite element modelling which compares very well with the test observations. The results show a significant increase in both moment resistance and initial stiffness for this connection detail compared with connections made directly to the column web. This offers the prospect of more optimal solutions taking advantage of partial strength frame design for the minor axis as well as major axis.