Keywords: beam-column joints, moment-rotation relationship, stiffness, semi-rigid connections, steel connection, composite connection.

The use of finite element analysis to determine the moment-rotation relationship can provide designers with a powerful tool for joint analysis and its parametric studies. This paper presents the results of a study based on the investigation of the behaviour of endplate bolted connections between a HEB260 and an IPE300 sections (European standard sections). An improved three dimensional finite element methodology using inelastic plane stress shell elements is proposed to model the column and beam web, flanges, endplate and bolt heads. Interface contact elements have been used to model the interaction between the back of the endplate and the column flange to simulate the contact and the separation of these two surfaces. A simplified model have been used to model the bolt using only one link element to model the shank which material properties varies with the thickness of the endplate.

The ANSYS finite element code has been selected for research. Initially, the paper deals with the calibration of the simplified model technique on test data from Ioannides [1], of a bare steel endplate connection showing the effectiveness and degree of accuracy of the proposed model. Then the same methodology has been used to model a similar type steel endplate connection and the case considered the stiffness and strength as well as the displacement and stress distribution. The connection chosen has been named as SWA1 and it has shown that the endplate thickness has significant influence on the initial stiffness and ultimate strength. Lastly, a three dimensional finite element model of a composite connection tested in [2] is proposed using brick elements to model the concrete and link elements for the reinforcement and shear studs. The composite connection has been named as SWA2 with profiled metal decking reinforced slab on top of the beam considering full interaction between the two. Parametric studies have been carried out on the composite connection to determine the influence of different types of the endplates on the moment-rotation behaviour. The bolt tension forces have also been investigated.

1

Ioannides, S.A, "Column Flange Behaviour in bolted endplate moment connections", PhD thesis, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 1978.

2

Xiao, R.Y., Choo, B.S., Nethercot, D.A. "Composite Connection in Steel and Concrete (i) Experimental Behaviours of Composite Beam-to-Column Connections", Journal of Constructional Steel Research, Vol.31, No.1, pp3-30, 1994. doi:10.1016/0143-974X(94)90021-3

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