Strength Model Of Bolted Beam-Column End-Plate Connections

Because of the geometry complexity of bolted beam-column end-plate connections, the strength models presented in the past few decades can not predict the ultimate strength of end-plate connection in a satisfactory precision. So the goal of this paper is to establish a reasonable strength model of end-plate connections.The benchmark data for theoretical analysis are obtained by calculation results of finite element models. In order to have a sound finite element model, the plastic quadrilateral shell elements model established in 1996 by Bahaari and Sherbourne is improved by using solid 8 nodes elements in ANSYS programs. The improved finite model, calibrated by comparing the test data and the results of numerical calculation, can deal with the factors such as welding, contact and pretension. With the establishment of new model, total 12 finite element specimens, subdivided into 4 groups according to end-plate thickness, bolt diameter and bolt arrangement in two directions, are analyzed.Furthermore, in order to predict the force at beam tension flange when end-plate yields, Kulak method, applied to determine the ultimate strength of the T-stub connections, are modified by introducing a parameter C. The general solution of parameter C is also provided in this paper. Two hypothesises, different from the traditional viewpoints, about stress distribution in beam section at the connection of beam and end-plate are presented by author to determine the ultimate moment of end-plate connection.The finite element model established in this thesis can be used to study other capacities of end-plate connections. The method of predicting the ultimate strength of end-plate connections given in this thesis can be referred by designers.