Experimental Database for Steel Flush End-Plate Connections

Abstract

A comprehensive experimental database of bare steel and composite flush end-plate (FEP) connections, covering tests conducted within the last 50 years, was collated and made public. The database includes deduced and tabulated parameters defining the configuration, geometric and material properties, and observed deformation and failure modes for more than 360 test specimens. The database also includes the specimens’ monotonic/cyclic responses in the form of digital moment versus rotation data. The database will aid researchers and engineers in benchmarking empirical, mechanical, or continuum finite-element models; assessing the robustness of existing numerical modeling and designing methodologies for end-plate connections; and developing new predictive models or damage fragility functions. The database also serves as an exemplar for the systematic development of similar databases for other types of semirigid connections. A graphical interface was developed to aid users in exploring, filtering, and assessing the database.