EVALUATION OF ROTATIONAL STIFFNESS FOR LARGE CAPACITY END-PLATE MOMENT CONNECTION
Oral Presentation
Paper ID : 1169-ICASGE
Authors
Department of Structural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
Abstract
Conventional extended end-plate connections with two bolts per row have inherent limitations in moment resistance due to the constrained number of tension bolts. To address this, large-capacity end-plate connections have been proposed. Large-capacity end-plate beam-to-column moment connections, characterized by multiple bolts per row (typically four), are designed to accommodate the increasing moment resistance demands of frames with large spans or heavy loads. These connections can be classified based on bolt arrangement and stiffener configuration as extended or flush, stiffened or unstiffened. Although the determination of connection stiffness is an essential parameter for categorizing the connection yet, their rotational stiffness remains an open field of research, as they are not currently covered by international design codes.
This research aims to evaluate the rotational stiffness of large-capacity end-plate connections with various stiffener configurations. For this purpose, a finite element model was developed using ANSYS and validated against existing experimental data. A parametric study was conducted to assess the influence of key parameters such as end-plate thickness, bolt diameter, and stiffener configuration on rotational stiffness. Based on the findings, a simplified methodology for calculating the rotational stiffness of large-capacity connections was proposed by enhancing the component method specified in Eurocode 3 [1]. Additionally, recommendations are provided to achieve higher rotational stiffness and improve connection behavior.
Generally, this study contributes to the advancement of large-capacity end-plate connection design by offering a systematic approach for evaluating and improving rotational stiffness, thereby ensuring their effective integration into structural analysis and design.
This research aims to evaluate the rotational stiffness of large-capacity end-plate connections with various stiffener configurations. For this purpose, a finite element model was developed using ANSYS and validated against existing experimental data. A parametric study was conducted to assess the influence of key parameters such as end-plate thickness, bolt diameter, and stiffener configuration on rotational stiffness. Based on the findings, a simplified methodology for calculating the rotational stiffness of large-capacity connections was proposed by enhancing the component method specified in Eurocode 3 [1]. Additionally, recommendations are provided to achieve higher rotational stiffness and improve connection behavior.
Generally, this study contributes to the advancement of large-capacity end-plate connection design by offering a systematic approach for evaluating and improving rotational stiffness, thereby ensuring their effective integration into structural analysis and design.
Keywords