Axial-moment interaction for 2D extended end plate bolted steel connections. Experimental investigation and assessment of the initial imperfections

Abstract

A study of axial–moment interactions of bolted connections with double extended end plates is presented in this paper. Six connections, subjected to pure compression and flexural compression were tested for this purpose. After the experimental campaign, finite element models were developed and calibrated to accurately reproduce the experimental results. The models included initial imperfections to capture the possible buckling failure modes in the column web and the beam flanges. Moreover, the models with and without initial imperfections were compared for different sizes of the imperfection. Finally, the results obtained from the experimental and the computational models provided sufficient and adequate information to construct an axial-moment interaction curve for the tested joints.