Three-dimensional analysis of steel beam-column bolted connections

Abstract

The design of steel beam-column end-plate bolted connections is becoming increasingly popular owing to its simplicity of production. This requires knowledge of the full nonlinear resisting moment–rotation (M–Φ) behavior of the joint. To investigate the impact of various geometrical factors on the overall behavior of the connection, this work provides a three-dimensional finite element model (FEM) utilizing ABAQUS software. The suggested model accounts for the pretension force on the bolts, material and geometrical deviations from linearity, and the proximity of surfaces that are adjacent. The numerical model’s ability to simulate and process both the total and specific behavior of varieties of end-plate steel riveted connections is confirmed by calibrating the finite element findings with experimentally disclosed outcomes, which are reviewed in this study. The ultimate behavior was then investigated through a parametric study using the verified FEM with variations in the bolt pretension load, yield strength of the sections, and yield stress of the bolt considering the M–Φ curve. The results of the parametric study showed that as the bolt pretension load and yield stress of the column, beam, and plate materials increased, so did the connection’s moment ability. The yield tension of the bolts, however, had only a minor effect on the connection’s moment capacity.

Keywords

• finite element analysis
• end-plate steel connections
• bolted connections
• bolts pretension load
• moment–rotation (m–φ)