Title:
Finite element modelling of the behaviour of a certain class of composite steel-concrete beam-to-column joints
Author(s):
M. A. Gizejowski, W. Barcewicz, W. Salah
Publication:
KILW
Volume:
56
Issue:
1
Appears on pages(s):
19-56
Keywords:
joint, composite, steel-concrete, end-plate, finite element model, nonlinear analysis, inelasticbehaviour
DOI:
Date:
1/1/2010
Abstract:
Beam-to-column end-plate joints can be classified as rigid (fully restrained), semi-rigid (partially
restrained) or pinned, depending on their type, configuration and the connector arrangement. Fully
restrained joints are needed for rigid frames in which there is assumed that the frame joints have
sufficient rigidity to maintain – under the service state – the angles between the intersecting members,
ensuring the full moment transfer. In contrast in semi-continuous frames, partially restrained
joints are characterized by relative rotations occurring between the intersecting members so that
the bending moment can only be transferred partially. In recent years, the idea of using partially
restrained, unstiffened joints in building structures has gained momentum since this idea appears
to be more practical and economical. Semi-continuous frames can resist actions by the bending
moment transfer in partially restrained joints, allowing in the same time for a certain degree of
rotation that enhances the overall ductile performance of these structures. One of the effective ways
that affects ductility of end-plate beam-to-column joints is to use thinner end-plates than those used
nowadays in practical applications. In the current study, a certain class of steel-concrete composite
joints is examined in which the thickness of end-plates is to be equivalent to approximately 40-60%
of the bolt diameter used in all the composite joints investigated in the considered joint class. This
paper is an extension of the authors’ earlier investigation on numerical modelling of the behaviour
of steel frame joints. The aim of current investigations is to develop as simple as possible and
yet reliable three-dimensional (3D) FE model of the composite joint behaviour that is capable of
capturing the important factors controlling the performance of steel-concrete end-plate joints in
which the end-plate thickness is chosen to be lesser than that used nowadays in conventional joint
detailing. A 3D FE model constructed for composite joints of the considered joint class is reported
in this paper and numerical simulations using the ABAQUS computer code are validated against
experimental investigations conducted at the Warsaw University of Technology. Comparison between
the nonlinear FE analysis and full scale experimental results of the considered class of composite
joints is presented which conclusively allows for the accuracy assessment of the modelling technique
developed. Comparison between the FE results and test data shows a reasonable agreement
between the numerical FE model developed and physical model of experimentally examined joint
specimens. Finally, practical conclusions for engineering applications are drawn.