Numerical Investigations of Steel Beam-to-Column Connections with Reinforcing Plates

Abstract:

This study presents the results of nonlinear finite element analyses performed on improved steel beam-to-column connections with reinforcing plates. The aim is to protect the potentially vulnerable beam-to-column groove welded joint by relocating the plastic hinge away from the column interface. The numerical investigation is based on results from experimental tests carried out on a two-storey steel frame tested at the JRC ELSA Laboratory and involves the modeling of the 3-way beam-to-column joint. The results of the numerical analyses on reinforced joints show that failure indices decrease in the weld region and near the weld access hole compared to the unreinforced connection, but high values of the Triaxiality Index are registered in the weld at the column interface. In order to eliminate the high shear stress in the beam flange and to reduce the high triaxial stress condition at the beam flange-column flange interface, the beam flange was disconnected from the column flange.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volume 234)
• Pages: 78-83
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.234.78
• Online since: November 2012
• Authors: Marco Valente
• Keywords: Beam-to-Column Connection, Cover Plates, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Flange Plates

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