Abstract
This paper presents a numerical study on the behavior of prequalified Bolted Extended End Plate (BEEP) moment connections when are affected by cyclic loading. Specimens were six four-bolt extended end-plate connections consist of H-shaped columns and I-shaped beams with different geometry as well as different end-plate size and bolt diameter; three of them were stiffened by a triangular rib plate welded to the top and bottom of the beam flanges, and others remained unstiffened. They were modeled in ABAQUS software and their cyclic behavior was evaluated using finite element analysis. Responses of specimens were examined by presenting their equivalent plastic strain, stress distribution, and moment-rotation hysteretic curves. Results revealed that with the increase of beam height and inertia moment in equal story drift rotations, the reduction of connection strength occurred earlier due to the occurrence of local buckling in the beam web and flange after subjecting to cyclic loading. By comparing moment-rotation hysteretic responses of specimens, it was found out that in unstiffened BEEP connections with thinner end-plate, the use of single vertical rib stiffener can slightly improve their cyclic behavior, but in connections with thicker end plate, it showed no considerable effect. It was concluded that the BEEP connections whose dimensions are not based on the tenth code of the Iranian national building regulations, cannot satisfy the criteria of AISC seismic provisions for both special and intermediate steel moment frames, although they experienced no local beam web and flange buckling.
Highlights
Nowadays, the use of bolted extended end-plate (BEEP) moment connections has become popular due to ease of fabrication, erection, and proper seismic performance
We can say that by the use of end-plate rib stiffener and the beams with greater inertia moment, the potential for better plastic hinge formation increases at a location away from the connection area which results in better behavior of stiffened BEEP connections compared to the unstiffened models
According to the equivalent plastic strain and von-Mises stress distributions, we concluded that the use of end-plate rib stiffener increases equivalent plastic strain and the potential of soft failure in BEEP connections
Summary
The use of bolted extended end-plate (BEEP) moment connections has become popular due to ease of fabrication, erection, and proper seismic performance. These connections are for connecting a beam to column or splicing two beams together. “In stiffened connections, a triangular stiffener is welded between the outer surface of the beam flange and the extended portion of the end plate” [4] This stiffener increases the strength and stiffness of the end plate, and reduces prying action and distributes flange forces among the bolt group
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