01.25: The influence of end–plate joints stiffening on the rotation capacity

The methodology for the rotation capacity determination of the end‐plate beam to column connections using statistical methods has been presented in the paper. Especially, the influence of stiffeners on the rotation capacity of the joints was studied. Additionally, the assessment of the joint behaviour without stiffeners was conducted. The analysis was carried out on the basis of the numerical experiment plan in which five basic variable factors were examined: the height of the beam profile (profile HEA, hb = 290 ÷ 490 mm), the height of the column profile (profile HEB, hc = 300 ÷ 500 mm), the thickness of the end‐plate (tp = 10 ÷20 mm), the distance from the upper flange to the axis of the bolts (cg1 = 60 ÷ 120 mm), the horizontal spacing between the bolts (w = 135 ÷ 200 mm). The response surface of rotation angle was obtained with the use of FEM analysis (ANSYS software) on the basis of the Hartley's numerical experiment plan (PS/DS‐P:Ha5). This paper presents the methodology for flush end‐plate connection shaping and requirements, which should be introduced to the models for numerical calculations, when the analysis is conducted for objects subjected to large deformations. Material characteristics and geometrical properties were determined on the basis of the Multistage Hierarchical Validation of FEM models. The study was performed for the steel S235 and for the bolts grade 10.9 (ISO 4014).