Experimental and numerical analysis of blind bolted moment joints to CFTST columns

Abstract

Experiments and numerical analysis were conducted to investigate the mechanical behavior of the blind bolted end plate joints to concrete-filled thin-walled steel tubular (CFTST) columns. Four blind bolted end plate joints to CFTST columns subjected to the monotonic loading were tested. Then, finite element analysis (FEA) modeling of the tested specimens was developed, and the results obtained from FEA modeling were verified against those from the test results. Parametric studies were conducted to investigate the influence of end plate thickness, axial load level, steel ratio and slenderness ratio etc. on moment-rotation curves of composite joints. Some methods of effective provisions were proposed and discussed in order to enhance the connection behavior. The test and numerical analysis results indicated that the typed joints to CFTST columns behaved in a semi-rigid and partial strength manner. The proposed innovative blind bolted joint using reliable and effective solutions could be applied in the mid- and low-rise buildings.