NONLINEAR FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF END-PLATE CONNECTIONS IN STEEL FRAMES

Finite element numerical models are developed by using the general-purpose finite element software, ANSYS, to simulate and analyze the mechanical behavior of beam-column end-plate connections with different types and details, and the corresponding tests are carried out to validate the finite element models. This finite element model’s accuracy and efficiency are verified by a comprehensive comparison of the modeling and testing results. Hence it can be applied for further finite element parametric analysis on the end-plate connections with different types and details. Moreover, the finite element analysis provides some extra valuable results which are difficult to obtain in the tests, including the principal stress flow of the connections, the distributions of the pressure and the frictional force between the end-plate and column flange under the bolt pretension force and the joint moment.