Experimental Database for Steel Flush End-Plate Connections
Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 147, Issue 7
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.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or code generated or used during the study are available in a repository online in accordance with funder data retention policies. In particular, the collated database is publicly available in a Zenodo data repository (https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.4667666). The database explorer GUI and an updatable version of the database are publicly available in the GitHub repository: https://github.com/amaelkady/SRConED.
Acknowledgments
The database was developed at the National Infrastructure Laboratory, University of Southampton (UoS). The authors gratefully acknowledge financial support provided by UoS to the first author as part of his graduate research. The authors also gratefully acknowledge the many researchers who have responded to our requests and shared valuable test data and information.
References
Abdalla, K. M., and W.-F. Chen. 1995. “Expanded database of semi-rigid steel connections.” Comput. Struct. 56 (4): 553–564. https://doi.org/10.1016/0045-7949(94)00558-K.
Abidelah, A., A. Bouchaïr, and D. E. Kerdal. 2012. “Experimental and analytical behavior of bolted end-plate connections with or without stiffeners.” J. Constr. Steel Res. 76 (Sep): 13–27. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcsr.2012.04.004.
Abolmaali, A. 1999. “Nonlinear dynamic finite element analysis of steel frames with semi-rigid joints.” Ph.D. thesis, Dept. of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science, Univ. of Oklahoma.
Abolmaali, A., A. R. Kukreti, A. Motahari, and M. Ghassemieh. 2009. “Energy dissipation characteristics of semi-rigid connections.” J. Constr. Steel Res. 65 (5): 1187–1197. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcsr.2008.05.014.
Aggarwal, A. K. 1994. “Comparative tests on end plate beam-to-column connections.” J. Constr. Steel Res. 30 (2): 151–175. https://doi.org/10.1016/0143-974X(94)90048-5.
AISC. 2016. Seismic provisions for structural steel buildings. ANSI/AISC 341. Chicago: AISC.
Anderson, D., and A. A. Najafi. 1994. “Performance of composite connections: Major axis end plate joints.” J. Constr. Steel Res. 31 (1): 31–57. https://doi.org/10.1016/0143-974X(94)90022-1.
Aribert, J. M., and A. Lachal. 1992. “Experimental investigation of composite connections in global interpretation.” In Proc., First State of the Art Workshop: COST C1—Semi-Rigid Behaviour of Civil Engineering Structural Connections, 158–169. Strasbourg, France: École Nationale Supérieure des Arts et Industries de Strasbourg.
Aribert, J.-M., M. Braham, and A. Lachal. 2004. “Testing of ‘simple’ joints and their characterisation for structural analysis.” J. Constr. Steel Res. 60 (3): 659–681. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0143-974X(03)00135-4.
Ataei, A., M. A. Bradford, and H. R. Valipour. 2015. “Moment-rotation model for blind-bolted flush end-plate connections in composite frame structures.” J. Struct. Eng. 141 (9): 04014211. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ST.1943-541X.0001147.
Ataei, A., M. A. Bradford, H. R. Valipour, and X. Liu. 2016. “Experimental study of sustainable high strength steel flush end plate beam-to-column composite joints with deconstructable bolted shear connectors.” Eng. Struct. 123 (Sep): 124–140. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2016.05.035.
Benterkia, Z. 1991. “End-plate connections and analysis of semi-rigid steel frames.” Ph.D. thesis, Dept. of Engineering, Univ. of Warwick.
Bernuzzi, C., S. Noe, and R. Zandonini. 1991. “Semi-rigid joints: Experimental studies.” In Proc., 2nd Int. Workshop on Connections in Steel Structures: Behaviour, Strength, and Design 189–200. Brussels, Belgium: European Convention for Constructional Steelwork.
Bernuzzi, C., R. Zandonini, and P. Zanon. 1996. “Experimental analysis and modelling of semi-rigid steel joints under cyclic reversal loading.” J. Constr. Steel Res. 38 (2): 95–123. https://doi.org/10.1016/0143-974X(96)00013-2.
Bond, D. E. 1989. “Analytical and experimental investigation of a flush moment end-plate connection with six bolts at the tension flange.” M.Sc. thesis, Dept. of Civil Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State Univ.
Boorse, M. R. 1999. “Evaluation of the inelastic rotation capability of flush end-plate moment connections.” M.Sc. thesis, Dept. of Civil Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State Univ.
Bose, B. 1981. “Moment-rotation characteristics of semi-rigid joints in steel structures.” J. Inst. Eng. (India), Part CI, Civ. Eng. Div. 62 (2): 128–132.
Brown, N. D. 1995. “Aspects of sway frame design and ductility of composite end plate connections.” Ph.D. thesis, Dept. of Engineering, Univ. of Warwick.
Brown, N. D., and D. Anderson. 2001. “Structural properties of composite major axis end plate connections.” J. Constr. Steel Res. 57 (3): 327–349. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0143-974X(00)00034-1.
Brunesi, E., R. Nascimbene, and G. A. Rassati. 2015. “Seismic response of MRFs with partially-restrained bolted beam-to-column connections through FE analyses.” J. Constr. Steel Res. 107 (Apr): 37–49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcsr.2014.12.022.
CEN (European Committee for Standardization). 2005. Eurocode 3—Design of steel structures, part 1-8: Design of joints. BS-EN 1993-1-8-2006. Brussels, Belgium: CEN.
Chakrabarti, B. 1987. Tests of unstiffened end-plate beam-column connections. Sheffield, UK: Building Research Establishment, Dept. of Environment.
Chen, W.-F., and N. Kishi. 1989. “Semi rigid steel beam to column connections: Database and modeling.” J. Struct. Eng. 115 (1): 105–119. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9445(1989)115:1(105).
Chisala, M. L. 1999. “Modelling M–φ curves for standard beam-to-column connections.” Eng. Struct. 21 (12): 1066–1075. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0141-0296(98)00033-9.
da Silva, L. S., L. R. O. de Lima, P. C. G. da S. Vellasco, and S. A. L. de Andrade. 2004. “Behaviour of flush end-plate beam-to-column joints under bending and axial force.” Steel and Composite Structures 4 (2): 77–94. https://doi.org/10.12989/scs.2004.4.2.077.
Davaran, A., T. Béland, and R. Tremblay. 2019. “Elastic-plastic analysis of bolted angles usable in steel frame connections.” J. Struct. Eng. 145 (7): 04019048. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ST.1943-541X.0002320.
Davison, J. B., P. A. Kirby, and D. A. Nethercot. 1987. “Rotational stiffness characteristics of steel beam-to-column connections.” J. Constr. Steel Res. 8 (1): 17–54. https://doi.org/10.1016/0143-974X(87)90052-6.
Elflah, M., M. Theofanous, S. Dirar, and H. Yuan. 2019a. “Behaviour of stainless steel beam-to-column joints—Part 1: Experimental investigation.” J. Constr. Steel Res. 152 (Jan): 183–193. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcsr.2018.02.040.
Elflah, M., M. Theofanous, S. Dirar, and H. Yuan. 2019b. “Structural behaviour of stainless steel beam-to-tubular column joints.” Eng. Struct. 184 (Apr): 158–175. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2019.01.073.
El Jisr, H., A. Elkady, and D. G. Lignos. 2020. “Hysteretic behavior of moment-resisting frames considering slab restraint and framing action.” J. Struct. Eng. 146 (8): 04020145. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ST.1943-541X.0002696.
Faridmehr, I., M. M. Tahir, T. Lahmer, and M. H. Osman. 2017. “Seismic performance of steel frames with semirigid connections.” J. Eng. 2017 (1): 1. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/5284247.
France, J. E., J. B. Davison, and P. A. Kirby. 1999. “Strength and rotational stiffness of moment connections to tubular columns using flowdrill connectors.” J. Constr. Steel Res. 50 (1): 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0143-974X(98)00235-1.
Gil, B., and E. Bayo. 2008. “An alternative design for internal and external semi-rigid composite joints. Part I: Experimental research.” Eng. Struct. 30 (1): 218–231. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2007.03.009.
Girão Coelho, A. M. G., and F. S. K. Bijlaard. 2007. “Experimental behaviour of high strength steel end-plate connections.” J. Constr. Steel Res. 63 (9): 1228–1240. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcsr.2006.11.010.
Goverdhan, A. V. 1984. “A collection of experimental moment-rotation curves and evaluation of predicting equation for semi-rigid connections.” Ph.D. thesis, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Vanderbilt Univ.
Hassanien, S. H. M., H. M. Ramadan, M. N. Abdel-Salam, and S. A. Mourad. 2016. “Experimental study of prequalified status of flush end plate connections.” HBRC J. 12 (1): 25–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hbrcj.2014.06.013.
Hendrick, D. M., A. R. Kukreti, and T. M. Murray. 1985. Unification of flush end-plate design procedures. Norman, OK: University of Oklahoma.
Heong, T. T. 2003. “Design appraisal of steel-concrete composite joints.” Ph.D. thesis, Dept. of Civil Engineering, National Univ. of Singapore.
Ibarra, L. F., R. A. Medina, and H. Krawinkler. 2005. “Hysteretic models that incorporate strength and stiffness deterioration.” Earthquake Eng. Struct. Dyn. 34 (12): 1489–1511. https://doi.org/10.1002/eqe.495.
Jenkins, W. M. 1983. Local failures in steelwork structures. Watford, UK: Building Research Establishment.
Jenkins, W. M., C. S. Tong, and A. T. Prescott. 1986. “Moment-transmitting end-plate connections in steel construction, and a proposed basis for flush endplate design.” Struct. Eng. 64A (5): 121–132.
Jones, S. W., P. A. Kirby, and D. A. Nethercot. 1980. “Effect of semi-rigid connections on steel column strength.” J. Constr. Steel Res. 1 (1): 38–46. https://doi.org/10.1016/0143-974X(80)90007-3.
Kozlowski, A., R. Kowalczyk, and M. Gizejowski. 2008. “Estimation of the initial stiffness and moment resistance of steel and composite joints.” In Proc., CTBUH 8th World Congress. Chicago: Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat.
Kukreti, A. R., T. M. Murray, and A. Abolmaali. 1987. “End-plate connection moment-rotation relationship.” J. Constr. Steel Res. 8 (1): 137–157. https://doi.org/10.1016/0143-974X(87)90057-5.
Li, T. Q., D. A. Nethercot, and B. S. Choo. 1996. “Behaviour of flush end-plate composite connections with unbalanced moment and variable shear/moment ratios—I. Experimental behaviour.” J. Constr. Steel Res. 38 (2): 125–164. https://doi.org/10.1016/0143-974X(96)00015-6.
Lignos, D. G., A. Hartloper, A. Elkady, G. G. Deierlein, and R. Hamburger. 2019. “Proposed updates to the ASCE 41 nonlinear modeling parameters for wide-flange steel columns in support of performance-based seismic engineering.” J. Struct. Eng. 145 (9): 04019083. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ST.1943-541X.0002353.
Lignos, D. G., and H. Krawinkler. 2012. Sidesway collapse of deteriorating structural systems under seismic excitations. Stanford, CA: The John A. Blume Earthquake Engineering Center, Stanford Univ.
Loh, H. Y., B. Uy, and M. A. Bradford. 2006. “The effects of partial shear connection in composite flush end plate joints Part I—Experimental study.” J. Constr. Steel Res. 62 (4): 378–390. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcsr.2005.07.012.
Mann, A. P., and L. J. Morris. 1981. Lack of fit in steel structures. London: Construction Industry Research and Information Association.
Mirza, O., and B. Uy. 2011. “Behaviour of composite beam–column flush end-plate connections subjected to low-probability, high-consequence loading.” Eng. Struct. 33 (2): 647–662. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2010.11.024.
Morris, L. J., and C. P. Newsome. 1981. “Bolted corner connection subjected to an out-of-balance moment—The behaviour of the column web panel.” In Proc., Int. Conf. on Joints in Structural Steelwork, 3–21. London: Institution of Structural Engineers.
Nethercot, D. A. 1984. Steel beam to column connections—A review of test data and their applicability to the evaluation of the joint behaviour of the performance of steel frames. Sheffield, UK: Univ. of Sheffield.
Ostrander, J. R. 1970. “An experimental investigation of end plate connections.” M.Sc. thesis, Dept. of Civil Engineering, Univ. of Saskatchewan.
Pan, J., S. Chen, Z. Wang, and H. Lu. 2018. “Initial rotational stiffness of minor-axis flush end-plate connections.” Adv. Mech. Eng. 10 (1): 168781401774539. https://doi.org/10.1177/1687814017745397.
Phillips, J., and J. A. Packer. 1981. “The effect of plate thickness on flush end-plate connections.” In Proc., Int. Conf. on Joints in Structural Steelwork, 77–92. London: Institution of Structural Engineers.
Prescott, A. T. 1987. “The performance of end-plate connections in steel structures and their influence on overall structural behaviour.” Ph.D. thesis, Dept. of Civil Engineering and Built Environment, Hatfield Polytechnic.
Prinz, G. S., A. Nussbaumer, L. Borges, and S. Khadka. 2014. “Experimental testing and simulation of bolted beam-column connections having thick extended end plates and multiple bolts per row.” Eng. Struct. 59 (Feb): 434–447. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2013.10.042.
Ramberg, W., and W. R. Osgood. 1943. Description of stress-strain curves by three parameters. Washington, DC: National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics.
Rassati, G., R. Leon, and S. Noè. 2004. “Component modeling of partially restrained composite joints under cyclic and dynamic loading.” J. Struct. Eng. 130 (2): 343–351. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9445(2004)130:2(343).
Ren, P. 1995. “Numerical modelling and experimental analysis of steel beam-to-column connections allowing for the influence of reinforced-concrete slabs.” Ph.D. thesis, Dept. of Civil Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale De Lausanne.
Shek, P. N., M. M. Tahir, A. Sulaiman, and C. S. Tan. 2012. “Experimental evaluation of flush end—Plate connection with built-up hybrid beam section.” Adv. Struct. Eng. 15 (2): 331–341. https://doi.org/10.1260/1369-4332.15.2.331.
Shi, G., Y. Shi, and Y. Wang. 2007a. “Behaviour of end-plate moment connections under earthquake loading.” Eng. Struct. 29 (5): 703–716. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2006.06.016.
Shi, W. L., G. Q. Li, Z. M. Ye, and R. Y. Xiao. 2007b. “Cyclic loading tests on composite joints with flush end plate connections.” Int. J. Steel Struct. 7 (2): 119–128.
Srouji, R. 1983. “Yield-line analysis of end-plate connections with bolt force predictions.” M.Sc. thesis, Dept. of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science, Univ. of Oklahoma.
Tahir, M. M., M. A. Hussein, A. Sulaiman, and S. Mohamed. 2009. “Comparison of component method with experimental tests for flush end-plate connections using hot-rolled perwaja steel sections.” Int. J. Steel Struct. 9 (2): 161–174. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03249491.
Tahir, M. M., I. Juki, L. H. Yong, S. Mohammad, and S. P. Ngian. 2011. “Finite element analysis of flush end-plate connections connected to column web.” Int. J. Steel Struct. 11 (3): 247. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13296-011-3001-3.
Tahir, M. M., H. Mohammadhosseini, P. N. Shek, and M. K. Effendi. 2018. “I-beam to square hollow column blind bolted moment connection: Experimental and numerical study.” J. Constr. Steel Res. 148 (Sep): 383–398. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcsr.2018.06.012.
Tao, Z., M. K. Hassan, T.-Y. Song, and L.-H. Han. 2017. “Experimental study on blind bolted connections to concrete-filled stainless steel columns.” J. Constr. Steel Res. 128 (Jan): 825–838. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcsr.2016.10.016.
Thai, H.-T., B. Uy, Yamesri, and F. Aslani. 2017. “Behaviour of bolted endplate composite joints to square and circular CFST columns.” J. Constr. Steel Res. 131 (Apr): 68–82. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcsr.2016.12.022.
Thomson, A. W., and B. M. Broderick. 2002. “Earthquake resistance of flush end-plate steel joints for moment frames.” Proc. Inst. Civ. Eng. Struct. Build. 152 (2): 157–165. https://doi.org/10.1680/stbu.2002.152.2.157.
Tizani, W., A. Al-Mughairi, J. S. Owen, and T. Pitrakkos. 2013. “Rotational stiffness of a blind-bolted connection to concrete-filled tubes using modified Hollo-bolt.” J. Constr. Steel Res. 80 (Jan): 317–331. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcsr.2012.09.024.
Tong, C. S. 1985. “The elastic-plastic behaviour of semi-rigid connections in steel structures.” Ph.D. thesis, Dept. of Civil Engineering and Built Environment, Hatfield Polytechnic.
Wald, F., and M. Švarc. 2001. “Experiments with end plate joints subject to moment and normal force.” In CTU Report 2-3—Contributions to experimental investigation of engineering materials and structures. Prague, Czech Republic: Czech Technical University in Prague.
Wang, J., and Y. Pang. 2017. “Experimental and numerical analyses of blind bolted moment-resisting composite joints to CFST columns with RC slab.” Int. J. Steel Struct. 17 (3): 909–938. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13296-017-9005-x.
Wang, J.-F., L.-H. Han, and B. Uy. 2009a. “Behaviour of flush end plate joints to concrete-filled steel tubular columns.” J. Constr. Steel Res. 65 (4): 925–939. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcsr.2008.10.010.
Wang, J.-F., L.-H. Han, and B. Uy. 2009b. “Hysteretic behaviour of flush end plate joints to concrete-filled steel tubular columns.” J. Constr. Steel Res. 65 (8): 1644–1663. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcsr.2008.12.008.
Wang, J. Y., Y. L. Wong, and S. L. Chan. 1996. “Experimental study of semi-rigid composite end-plate connections under cyclic loading.” In Advances in steel structures (ICASS ’96), edited by S. L. Chan and J. G. Teng, 489–494. Oxford, UK: Pergamon.
Wang, Y., Z. Wang, J. Pan, and P. Wang. 2020. “Seismic behavior of a novel blind bolted flush end-plate connection to strengthened concrete-filled steel tube columns.” Appl. Sci. 10 (7): 2517. https://doi.org/10.3390/app10072517.
Wang, Z. M. 1996. “Behaviour of unstiffened flush end plate beam-to-column connections in structural steelwork.” Ph.D. thesis, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Univ. of Abertay Dundee.
Waqas, R., B. Uy, and H.-T. Thai. 2019. “Experimental and numerical behaviour of blind bolted flush endplate composite connections.” J. Constr. Steel Res. 153 (Feb): 179–195. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcsr.2018.10.012.
Weynand, K., M. Huter, P. Kirby, L. A. P. Simões da Silva, and P. J. S. Cruz. 1999. “SERICON—A databank for tests on semi-rigid joints.” In Proc., COST C1: Control of the Semi-Rigid Behavior of Civil Engineering Structural Connections, 217–228. Luxembourg: Office for Official Publications of the European Communities.
Wu, F.-H., and W.-F. Chen. 1990. “A design model for semi-rigid connections.” Eng. Struct. 12 (2): 88–97. https://doi.org/10.1016/0141-0296(90)90013-I.
Xiao, Y., B. S. Choo, and D. A. Nethercot. 1994. “Composite connections in steel and concrete. I. Experimental behaviour of composite beam—column connections.” J. Constr. Steel Res. 31 (1): 3–30. https://doi.org/10.1016/0143-974X(94)90021-3.
Zandonini, R., and P. Zanon. 1986. “Semi-rigid and flexible connections: An experimental investigation.” In Proc., Int. Conf. on Steel Structures, Recent Research Advances and Their Application to Design, 273–282. New York: Elsevier Applied Science Publishers.
Zoetemeijer, P. 1974. “A design method for the tension side of statically loaded, bolted beam-to-column connections.” HERON 20 (1): 1974.
Zoetemeijer, P. 1981. “Semi-rigid bolted beam-to-column connections with stiffened column flanges and flush-end plates.” In Proc., Joints in Structural Steelworks, 92–118. Teesside Polytechnic, UK: Pentech.
Zoetemeijer, P., and M. H. Kolstein. 1975. Bolted beam-column connections with short end plate. Delft, Netherlands: Univ. of Technology Delft.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 147 • Issue 7 • July 2021
Copyright
© 2021 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Dec 29, 2020
Accepted: Mar 2, 2021
Published online: May 13, 2021
Published in print: Jul 1, 2021
Discussion open until: Oct 13, 2021
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.