Performance of Flush End-Plate Joints Connected to Column Web

Abstract

A study on minor axis joints was carried out for flush end-plate connections, connected to the column web. Columns and beams of various sizes were tested in the study. The geometry of end-plate and distance between bolts and number of bolt rows were also varied. A method of predicting the moment resistance and initial stiffness of flush end-plate joints connected to a column web has been established. Previous experimental results of moment and stiffness were compared with predicted values. The results of moment resistance and initial stiffness showed good agreement between experimental and theoretical values. The chapter concludes that it is possible to predict the moment resistance of flush end-plate connections, connected to a column web for calculating moment resistance due to the column web and the existing component method of EC3 for calculating the moment resistance due to the end plate. The study also showed that the initial stiffness for the connections could be predicted. The initial stiffness of column web, developed from force deformation relationships based on linear elastic finite element analysis, is assembled with the initial stiffness of other relevant components. The results of experimental moment and stiffness showed good agreement with predicted values.