Abstract
In this study, new equations are developed for predicting the initial stiffness and ultimate moment of flush end-plate connections (FECs). FECs exhibit partially restrained behavior, which affects the distribution of forces and the displacement of a steel frame. Thus, the influences of the nonlinearity of connections on second-order moments are incorporated into structural analysis. FECs bolted to column flanges and welded to beams are investigated. The experimental data of FECs are collected, including initial stiffness and ultimate moment. Finite element analyses are used for analyzing the mechanical behavior of FECs and identifying the fracture mechanism of FECs. The finite element model of FECs is developed using ABAQUS software, and it is verified through comparison with the experimental results of previous studies. The mechanical behavior of FECs is investigated. An improved semi-empirical equation for the initial stiffness is suggested, and it provides good accuracy. A new type of fracture mechanism for FECs is suggested. An equation for estimating the ultimate moment is derived from the suggested fracture mechanism, and it shows good agreement with experimental data.
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