A STUDY OF THE MODELLING OF RIGID AND SEMI-RIGID END-PLATE STEEL CONNECTIONS

Abstract

A numerical simulations using ABAQUS software were performed on full scale steel beams connected to the columns (beam-to-column connection) with two different types of endplate connections (Extended and flush) to study the effect of a number of variables on connections behavior. Tow finite element models were calibrated, first model using tested data, second model using analytical data from Eurocode 3 in order to verify the results. The models were simulated under static loads and the behavior of the connections was analyzed from moment-rotation (M–) curve. Moment-rotation curve is a method for representing the stiffness, strength and ductility of a connection. The classification of the connections was determined by the European 3, American and Egyptian codes. The three codes were compared based on the classification of connections.