Thin-Walled Structures 39 (2001) 307325 www.elsevier.

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On the analytical model of beam-to-column semi-rigid connections, using plate theory

M. Mod
a b

1,a,*

, M. Ghorbani Asl

2,b

, S.L. McCabe

3,a

Civil Engineering Department, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA Civil Engineering Department, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran

Received 10 October 2000; received in revised form 30 November 2000; accepted 22 December 2000

Abstract An analytical method is presented that can be used to determine the behavior of a particular steel beam-to-column extended end plate connection, in both linear and non-linear regions. This article demonstrates a closed form solution of the equations of deformation, for this type of connection. Besides, a step-by-step analytical procedure for establishment of the linear part of M-q curve of this form of connection is developed. However, this technique can properly be extended to the non-linear regions, which is not considered in this article. The correctness of the results has been ascertained by a comparison, using non-linear nite element models as well as experimental approach; and very good agreement has been obtained. Furthermore, the writers believe that this method will efciently serve design engineers in real design conditions. 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: Steel connection; Semi-rigid connection; End plate

1. Introduction The problem of exibility of beam to column connections and its effect on behavior of steel structures has been of interest to numerous engineers and scientists for more than 80 years. At the University of Illinois in 1917, Young performed the

* Corresponding author. Fax: 1-785-864-5631. E-mail address: mod@engr.ukans.edu (M. Mod). 1 Associate Professor. 2 Research Afliate. 3 Professor & Chair.
0263-8231/01/$ - see front matter 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. PII: S 0 2 6 3 - 8 2 3 1 ( 0 1 ) 0 0 0 0 2 - 7

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Nomenclature q Intensity of distributed load q0 Intensity of linear load E Modulus of elasticity G Shear modulus n Poissons ratio Mt, M Total moment applied to connection P Load applied to each bolt Py Ultimate external load applied to end plate Pure plastic shear force capacity per unit length V0 Pure plastic bending moment capacity M0 Fyb Yielding stress of bolts Distributed torsional moment mt mp Plastic moment capacity per unit length Warping constant CW w Transverse deection J Torsional constant of plate g Angular strain n Number of bolts in each row t Thickness of end plate m Odd integer numbers q Rotation of plate A, B, C Constant coefcients d Distance between centerline of beam top and bottom anges lb Length of bolts Ab Area of each bolt Mp, Mpy Combined plastic bending moment and shear force Vp, Vpy Combined plastic shear force

rst experiment to estimate the rigidity of steel beam-to-column connections [1]. Apparently this was the rst investigation on semi-rigid joints. In practical analysis and design of steel structures, two types of connections are considered; completely rigid connections and simple connections. However, according to the investigation on real behavior of the connections, any structural beam-to-column joint can be called semi-rigid. This means that even the rigid connections have a relative exibility, which should properly be taken into account. Inplane bending moment, applied to semi-rigid connection, causes relative rotation of beam and column. The effect of this deformation has a signicant destabilizing inuence on the frame stability, since additional drift will occur as a result of the decrease in effective stiffness of the members to which the connections are attached. An increase in the frame drift will intensify the P- effect and hence, the overall

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stability of the frame will be affected. Therefore, in an exact analysis and design procedure, effect of connection exibility on the behavior and strength of the frame must be taken into account. In recent studies, Jenkins et al. [1] conducted experiments on extended end plate connections. Popov [2], experimented rigid connections to study the panel zone behavior. Azzizinamini et al. [3] experimentally studied the behavior of the connections with bolted extended end plate, accompanied with web angles. He analytically calculated the initial stiffness of the top and seat angle connections. As another analytical approach to this problem, Kishi and Chen [4] worked on connection with angle. Also, they were followed by Bahaari and Sherbourne [5], who produced a 2D plane-stress nite element model for extended end plate connections. In 1994, they developed an approximate 3D nite element model, using a computer program [6]. Additionally, some other researchers who have worked in this area are given in Refs. [712]. Experimental study of the connections is very expensive, and it is also not practical to experiment all different types and sizes of connections. On the other hand, the 3D nite element models are highly complicated and cannot be used easily to simulate the connection as well as the whole structure. What is needed is a reliable approximate model that can easily be constructed and be simple enough to be used as a connecting element in non-linear analysis of steel structures in most computer programs [13]. The objectives of this investigation are: To study the behavior of extended end plate connection, which is widely used in high-rise buildings and industrial structures, and to develop a step-by-step analytical technique to prepare a bi-linear moment-rotation curve for this type of connections. To verify the presented analytical solution by applying it to some test problems, and comparing the results with nite element models as well as experimental data. To inspect the important factors in the behavior of this type of connections through an extensive parametric study.

2. Theory of the analytical model The results of an experiment or an analytical model cannot be used directly in the analysis and design of structures. Therefore, some numerical models are required to simulate these results. Usually, for this purpose, engineers use modeling techniques, such as bi-linear, piecewise linear, cubic spline, exponential, and power models. The bi-linear model, as shown in Fig. 1, is found to be relatively satisfactory for simulation of the M-q curve of steel connections. Besides, it is simple enough to be used by non-linear nite-element programs. It has to be noted that this model can be introduced through three parameters. These constants are Ki, My and Ks where they are dened as the initial stiffness, yielding moment and the secondary stiffness of the connection, respectively. In this article, the behavior of an extended end plate connection, as shown in Fig. 2,

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Fig. 1.

Bi-linear model for simulation of the M-q curve.

Fig. 2.

Extended end plate connection.

has been studied. Besides, an extensive parametric study, based on bi-linear momentrotation curve, is newly performed for this type of connection. The following assumptions are made through this investigation: Beam and column are rigid. Center of rotation of the connection, coincides with the middle of beam lower ange. Applied force from the beam upper ange is considered for the total plate width. Center line of the bolts are assumed as a clamped edge for the plate. Deformation of the bolts in the beam compression ange vicinity, is neglected. Applied forces are equally divided between bolts, above and below of beam tensional ange.

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Fig. 3. Different modes of end plate deformation. (I): Transverse loading mode; (II): Torsional deection mode.

2.1. Calculation of the initial stiffness To calculate the initial stiffness of the connection Ki the end plate deformation should be considered. However, because of the complexity of this deformation, it has been separated into the two simple parts, as shown in Fig. 3; these parts contain deformation caused by transverse loading and torsional deection of the end plate, accordingly. The idealized conditions for calculation of the transverse loading deformation is shown in Fig. 4. In this part, a simply supported plate with distributed load of intensity of q on its center is considered, Fig. 5. Solving the governing differential equation of plates with the proper loading, Eq. (1), and imposing the clamped condition for y b/2 edges, results the maximum displacement of the plates center which is presented in Eq. (2). d 4w d 4w d 4w q 2 2 2 dx4 dx dy dy4 D (1)

Fig. 4.

Idealized condition for transverse deformation.

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Fig. 5. Simulation of transverse loading simply supported plate with central loading.

wmax
m 1

( 1)

m 1 2

(Km Am)

m 1 tanh(am) a2 ( 1) 2 am 2 E 2 2p Dm 1 m cosh(am) m

(2)

Parameters Am and Em can be found in Refs. [13] and [14]. Besides, applying the appropriate limits, Eqs. (9) and (10), the maximum deection may be concluded as shown in Fig. 4. Km am D gm
m 1 4a4q mpu ( 1) 2 sin 5 5 mpD 2a

(3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8)

mpb 2a Et3 12(1 n2) mpv 4a

Am F(am,gm,Km) Em G(am,gm,Km)

Lim wmax u JP0 a

qo qv

v JP 0

(9)

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Lim wmax b JP 0 a (10)

The rst limit, Eq. (9), changes the square distributed load of intensity q, into a linear load and the second limit, Eq. (10), makes ru and st edges free. The result is: wmax ( 1) 2 qo b pDm 1 48m
3 m 1

5.2 10 3b3

qo D

(11)

Comparison of the results of the above mentioned analytical approach, with approximate beam model, reveals almost 10% difference. Besides, the shear deformation, considering n 0.30 and shear area 5/6 of the net area, can be calculated as follows:
b 2

ws
0

gdx

0.78qob Et

(12)

Therefore, the total deection of the plate center for the rst part loading is: wt 5.2 10
3 o

q b3 qoF Et

b b3 F 5.2 10 0.78 D Et
3

(13)

The idealized conditions for calculation of the second part loading, caused by torsional effect, is considered in Fig. 6. In this idealization, only half of the plate has been taken into account. According to the theory, the governing differential equation of bending, caused by torsion for semi-thick plates, can be presented in the following form: d4 dx4 GJ d 2 ECw dx2 mt (14)

where the boundary conditions are:

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Fig. 6.

Idealized condition for torsional deformation.

d2 dx2

0 d GJ dx

@x g M @x g @x 0 @x 0

d3 ECw 3 dx d 0 dx 0

(15)

General solution for Eq. (14) is

Asinh

GJ x ECw

Bcosh

GJ x ECw

Cx D

(16)

Satisfying all the boundary conditions and simplication of results reveals the difference between deection of two edges of the plate as follows: ww q.d S 4.3 Z g d 1 3Mg Scosh(S) sinh(S) 2 Gt3 Scosh(S) (n 0.3) MZ (17)

3g Scosh(S) sinh(S) 2Gt3 Scosh(S)

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Deection of the bolts is also calculated, using theory of solid mechanics: wb plb Mtlb AbE 2dnAbE (18)

Based on the virtual work theory, the initial stiffness of the connection Ki, can accordingly be determined. For this calculation the stiffness of all the parts including traverse loading, warping action and bolts displacements have been combined and the nal value of Ki is: Ki 1 2 k1 k2 where, k1 d d 2l and k2 F Z lb 2nd 2AbE (19)

2.2. Calculation of the yielding moment To calculate the yielding moment of the connection, My, the yield line theory based on virtual work procedure is used [14,15]. The two most critical mechanisms and their appropriate interacted forces Vp and Mp are investigated and are shown in Figs. 710, accordingly. For the rst mechanism, the internal and external works are determined and the result is written in Eq. (22):

Fig. 7.

Critical mechanism I, for the calculation My1.

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Fig. 8.

Critical mechanism II, for the calculation My2.

Fig. 9.

Demonstration of the interacted forces Vp and Mp, for the mechanism I.

Fig. 10.

Demonstration of the interacted forces Vp and Mp, for the mechanism II.

l g IW 4mp b d 2 EW Pyd My d

d g

b 2

(20)

(21)

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Therefore, the My1 for rst mechanism can be concluded as follows: My1 4mp 2ld d(2d b) g b 2g (22)

Similarly, using the same procedure from the second critical mechanism, Fig. 8, Eq. (23) can easily be concluded:

My2 mp 2l

ld b N 2

nAbFyb

Nd b N 2

b 2

(23)

2.3. Secondary stiffness of the connection There is no analytical method for calculation of the secondary stiffness of connections and usually test results are used to estimate the value of Ks. For example, the ratio of Ks/Ki 0.15, is suggested for the top and seat angle connections by Marley and Stelmack [1]. This ratio is resulted by test and includes the effects of strain hardening and changes in geometry of the connection. Therefore, in this article, the suitable ratio will be proposed according to the test results. 2.4. Example problem An extended end plate connection shown on Fig. 11, with various thickness of 12 mm, through, 25 mm is considered. The parameters of Ki, My and Ks are calculated

Fig. 11.

Example problem, end plate with various thicknesses.

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Table 1 Results of the parametric study on the example problem, Fig. 11 t (mm) 12 15 20 25 D 105 3.3 6.5 15.4 30.1 F 10 30.7 16.8 8.1 4.8
6

Z 10 14.7 7.5 3.2 1.6

K1 108 5.55 10.15 21.2 35.8

K2 106 20 39 92 180

Ki 2.47 4.82 9.06 13.26

My1 7.1 11.1 19.7 30.8

My2 11.3 11.7 12.5 13.6

accordingly. A complete parametric study against end plate thicknesses is presented. Results are shown in Table 1. Comparison of the results with Jenkins experimental data [1] and also analytical model of Bahaari and Sherboume [6] are shown in Figs. 1219. Besides, it has revealed an excellent agreement between two results. The graphs show that values of R Ks/Ki 0.1 through 0.12, for thick plates; and R 0.12 through 0.15 for thin plates, are suitable. The effect of shear deformation on the behavior of plate is shown in Figs. 20 and 21. Also, Fig. 22 reveals the contribution of each component of the connection in the total deformation; and Fig. 23 shows yielding moments of both yielding lines mechanism, versus the plate thickness.

Fig. 12. Comparison of bi-linear model and experimental [1].

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Fig. 13. Comparison of bi-linear model and experimental [1].

Fig. 14. Comparison of bi-linear model and experimental [1].

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Fig. 15. Comparison of bi-linear model and experimental [1].

Fig. 16.

Comparison of bi-linear model and 3D F.E model [6].

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Fig. 17.

Comparison of bi-linear model and 3D F.E model [6].

Fig. 18.

Comparison of bi-linear model and 3D F.E. model [6].

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Fig. 19.

Comparison of bi-linear model and 3D F.E. model [6].

Fig. 20.

Effect of shear deformation on total deacation of the plate.

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Fig. 21.

Effect of shear deformation on initial stiffness of connection.

Fig. 22.

Contribution of plate and bolt to rotation of end-plate connection.

3. Conclusion In this study an analytical procedure for estimation of the behavior of extended end plate connections has been presented. The theory in this method is mainly based on the theory of plates. Substitution of the values of material property and dimensions

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Fig. 23.

Yielding moment of mechanisms I and II vs. plate thickness.

of the connection in the proposed formulas leads to formation of a bi-linear momentrotation curve, which demonstrates the connection behavior and can be used by scientists and engineers through non-linear programs. Comparison of the results with the experiment as well as the exact nite-element models reveals very good agreement between them. The important results of this investigation can be summarized as follows: Effect of shear deformation on the stiffness of the end plate connection is insignicant and can be fairly neglected. Ration of R Ks/Ki varies between 0.1 and 0.12 for the thick plates and 0.12 and 0.15 for the thin plates For thin plates, the rst mechanism is critical and also the second mechanism governs the thick plates. This conclusion exactly complies with the study of Bahaari and Sherbourne [6]. The initial stiffness of the connection is mostly affected by the plate thickness and width, beam depth and the distance between centerline of the bolts. The yielding moment of the connection depends mainly on the plate thickness, distance between centerline bolts, the bolt area and materials.

References
[1] SSRC. Guide to stability design criteria for metal structures. 4th ed. New York: John Wiley and Sons Publishers, 1998.

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[2] Popov FP. Panel zone exibility in seismic moment joints. Journal of Constructional Steel Research 1987;8:91118. [3] Azizinamini A, Bradburn H, Radziminski B. Initial stiffness of semi-rigid steel beam-to-column connections. Journal of Constructional Steel Research 1987;8:7190. [4] Kishi N, Chen WF. Moment-rotation relations of semi-rigid connections with angles. Journal of Structural Engineering, ASCE 1990;116(7):181334. [5] Bahaari MR, Sherbourne AN. Computer modeling of an extended end-plate bolted connection. Computers and Structures 1994;52(5):87994. [6] Sherbourne AN, Bahaari MR. 3D simulation of end-plate bolted connections. Journal of Structural Engineering, ASCE 1994;120(11):312236. [7] Lui BM, Chen WF. Steel frame analysis with exible joints. Journal of Constructional Steel Research 1987;8:161202. [8] Chen WF, Kishi N. Semi-rigid steel beam-to-column connections: data base and modeling. Journal of Structural Engineering, ASCE 1989;115(1):10519. [9] Sibai WA, Frey F. New semi-rigid joint elements for non-linear analysis of exibly connected frames. Journal of Constructional steel Research 1993;25:18599. [10] Yau CY, Chan SL. Inelastic and stability analysis of exibly connected steel frames by springs-inseries models. Journal of Structural Engineering, ASCE 1994;120(10):280319. [11] Agha WY, Aktan HM, Olowokere OD. Seismic response of low- rise steel frames, Journal of Structural Engineering, ASCE 1989;115(3):594607. [12] Chen WF, Liu EM. Stability design of steel frames. London: CRC Press, 1991. [13] Ghorbani Asl MH. Effect of joint exibility on behavior of steel structures. Thesis presented in Sharif University of Technology in partial fulllment of the requirement for degree of master of science, Tehran, Iran, 1996. [14] Timoshenko S, Krieger S. Theory of plates and shells. 2nd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Publishers, 1969. [15] Timoshenko S, Gere J. Theory of elastic stability. 2nd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Publishers, 1961.