FE Modeling of Four-Bolt, Tubular Moment End-Plate Connections

Abstract

The increase in the use of rectangular hollow sections in mainstream steel structures coupled with the economics of prefabrication have highlighted the need for design methods that produce economical bolted tubular connections. The development of a design model for a particular connection type normally follows the determination of the connection behavior using experimental or numerical methods. This paper describes the finite-element modeling philosophy employed to analyze bolted moment end-plate connections joining square and rectangular hollow sections that are subjected to pure bending. The ABAQUS finite-element package is used to simulate the experimental behavior observed in tests performed at the University of Sydney. The parameters varied in both the experiments and ABAQUS simulations include the end-plate thickness, the section shape (square or rectangular), and the position of the bolts. The results obtained from the finite-element analyses are evaluated and the effectiveness of the model assessed by comparing the numerically predicted ultimate loads and moment-rotation responses with those of the corresponding tests.