An investigation of the behavior of header end-plate connections under monotonic loading

Abstract

In seismically active regions such as Turkey, the context of the nonlinearity provided by a building is based on the behaviors of structural components; beams, columns and their connections constituting the seismic force resisting system of the structure. Of these members, beam-to-column connections can play a considerably important role even if they have a capability of limited stiffness and flexural strength. Structural steel connections are mainly classified as a pinned or a moment connection. However, some beam-to-column connections having limited stiffness and flexural strength, which are called semi-rigid connections such as header end-plate connections designed so as to transmit only shear forces, can be characterized by moment-rotation relationship. This paper investigates the behavior of header end-plate connections using finite element (FE) modeling. The FE models include material, geometrical and contact nonlinearities. FE modeling technique was first verified through the test results of the experimental research performed by Aggarwal (1990). Then the effect of header end-plate thickness upon moment-rotation relationship was investigated. According to the analyses results, in addition to shear stresses, axial tensile stresses have been observed to occur in the bolts at the tension side and thickness of the header end-plate and beam web play a governing role in the development of initial rotational stiffness and the flexural strength of header end-plate connections.