Modeling strength, stiffness and ductility of extended endplate connections with circular and rectangular bolt configurations -

Abstract

The results of a series of finite element (FE) simulations and experimental studies are used to develop strength and stiffness models that predict the failure strength and response characteristics of extended unstiffened endplate connections with circular and rectangular bolt configurations associated with deep girders. The proposed models are composed of multi-linear springs which model the overall extended endplate-column flange system deformation and strength of key components. Comparison of model predictions with FE and experimental results available in the literature show that the proposed models accurately predict the strength and the response of extended endplate-column system with circular and rectangular bolt configurations. The effect of the bolt configuration (circular and rectangular) on the prying phenomenon encountered in the extended unstiffened endplate-column system was investigated. Based on FE results, extended endplate with circular bolt configuration has a more ductile behavior and exhibits higher total prying forces. The proposed models can be used to design connections that cover all possible failure modes for extended endplate with circular bolt configuration.