Cyclic Behavior of Anchored Blind-Bolted Extended End-Plate Joints to CFST Columns

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As the square steel tube in the tension zone is always the weakest part of moment-resisting joints, modified blind bolts (Hollo-Bolts) and a locally strengthened steel tube in the panel zone were adopted to enhance the joint performance. Cyclic loading tests were carried out on eight anchored blind-bolted extended end-plate joints between square concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) columns and steel beams. The test parameters included the end-plate thickness, steel tube wall thickness, beam section size, local strengthening connection method, blind bolt anchorage method, and stiffeners. The failure mode, hysteretic behavior, stiffness, strength, ductility, strength degradation, stiffness degradation, and energy dissipation capacity of the joints were studied and analyzed. The test results showed that the application of anchored blind bolts and a locally strengthened steel tube can fully utilize the bolt strength and significantly improve the joint performance, especially in terms of strength and strength degradation. The test observations revealed three typical failure modes for the joints, and the failure mode depended on the weakest component. In addition, the local reinforcement of C-channel and change in the anchorage method had a limited effect on the initial stiffness. Greater end-plate thickness and the use of stiffeners significantly increased the joint stiffness and decreased the rate of stiffness degradation. The use of stiffeners also significantly enhanced the ductility and energy dissipation by moving plastic hinge outward from the joints. Finally, finite element analysis (FEA) models were developed and validated against the experimental results, and the stress distribution and force transfer pattern were investigated.