Finite element Analysis of Semi Rigid End Plate Steel Joints Under Static Loading

The analysis of steel-framed building structures with full strength beam-to column joints is quite standard nowadays. Buildings utilizing such framing systems are widely used in design practice. However, there is growing recognition of significant benefits in designing joints as partial strength/semi-rigid. The design of joints within this partial strength/semi-rigid approach is becoming more and more popular. It requires however the knowledge of the full nonlinear moment-rotation behaviour of the joint, which is also a design parameter. The rotational behaviour of steel semi rigid connections can be studied using the finite element method for the following three reasons: i) such models are inexpensive and robust; ii) they allow the understanding of local effects, which are difficult to measure accurately physically; and iii) they can be used to generate extensive parametric studies. This paper presents a three-dimensional finite element model using ABAQUS software in order to simulate the structural behaviour of semi rigid steel beam to column end plate connections. Contact and sliding between different elements, bolt pre-tension, and geometric and material non-linearity, are included in this model. The model was calibrated and validated with experimental results taken from the literature and with the model proposed by Eurocode3. The results from the finite element analysis were verified by comparing the obtained moment–rotation curve of the joint. The procedure for determining the moment–rotation curve using finite element analysis is also given together with a brief explanation of how the design moment resistance and the initial rotational stiffness of the joint are obtained