This paper presents a grid model to describe the nonlinear behaviour of the face plate component in I-beam to concrete-filled RHS tubular column joints. The model is developed through finite element analyses validated with experimental tests on different geometries of end plate I-beam to concrete-filled SHS tubular column joints. The parametric numerical study considers the slenderness of the face of the SHS column and the ratio of the loaded width versus the width of the face of the column with three alternative configurations for the connection of the beam to the column face: a bolted end plate, a welded transverse plate and a fin plate. Furthermore, bolted end plate connections in high strength steel S690 were also considered. The proposed grid model captures the transition from bending-dominated to membrane-dominated behaviour, allowing for the prediction in a consistent way of the force-displacement curve of a joint whenever the deformability of the face of the concrete-filled tubular column controls the behaviour. Finally, it is shown that a simplified beam strip model on an elastic foundation yields accurate results for the full range behaviour of the component, providing an efficient solution for practical use. • Experimental tests on I-beam to concrete-filled tubular column steel joints • Simple beam strip on elastic foundation model for the face plate component loaded out-of-plane. • Parametric study of bolted connections and welded connections with transverse plates, fin plates and high strength steel. • Demonstration of semi-rigid and partial moment resistance behaviour.
Santos et al. (Thu,) studied this question.