Nonlinear Analysis of Steel Moment Connections

Abstract

The nonlinear finite element technique is used to analyze beam‐to‐column moment connections. In case of flange moment connections, a full scale assembly of the connection has been considered for predicting the load‐deflection behavior, the stress distribution in the panel zones, and the spread of yielded zones at various stages of loading. Connections studied herein are fully welded, flange welded only, and fully bolted moment connections. The analytical results are compared with the results of the full scale tests carried out at Lehigh University. It is shown that a complete connection behavior can be predicted analytically. The web connection considered in this paper is an unsymmetrical one where there is only a beam on one side of the column. A nonlinear stress analysis in the region of the flange connection plate has been carried out by isolating it with suitable freebody. Typical combinations of beams and columns are considered for the study. Through the study of stress distributions in the flange connection plate, the weld required to join the flange connection plate to the column has been proposed.