Finite element modelling of the behaviour of steel end-plate connections

Although the effect of semi-rigid steel beam-to-column connections on the behaviour of steel frames and their substantial economic benefits are recognized nowadays, many structural analyses still consider connections as either fixed or pinned. For that reasons, there is need to be able the generate moment-rotation responses of semi-rigid connections that can be used for analysis and design proposes. Characteristic of the joints can be found using FEM models. The objective of the analysis was to find moment-rotation curves for end-plate connections. The analyzed splices were shaped considering typical recommendations for such connections. Numerical elastic-plastic 3D finite models was performed in order to establish a numerical analysis method for evaluating deformation of extended end-plate-beam-to-column joint for varying thickness of end plates. There were used contact elements between bolts and beam and column. Analysis was done for non-preloaded high strength bolts. This kind of model was generated by using the FEM software package ANSYS version 14. Results show moment-rotation curves for thicknesses 6mm, 10mm and 20mm of end-plate. The study confirmed the influence of thickness of end plates on moment-rotation curves for analysing joints and proved that the FE technique was capable of prediction connection response to an acceptable degree of accuracy. The results can be used in advanced structural analysis of beams and frames.

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