A Finite Element Study of Non-Orthogonal Bolted Flange Plate Connections for Seismic Applications

The current design approach for moment connections in many seismic specifications worldwide focuses on providing energy dissipation to achieve a collapse prevention objective. Most specifications only provide guidance for the design of beam-column connections in orthogonal configurations. However, it is not uncommon that for architectural reasons beams be required to frame into columns at an angle, either with respect to the horizontal (sloped connections) or with respect to a vertical plane (skewed connections), for the design of which little guidance is available. This paper presents a numerical study focusing on Bolted Flange Plate connections in non-orthogonal configurations. The response of these connections was compared to extant experimental results, using orthogonal configurations as a baseline. Investigating the connections response in terms of moment-rotation capacity, stress distributions, plastic strain demands, and plastic hinge locations, some recommendations for the design of non-orthogonal Bolted Flange Plate connections are presented. Secondarily, a study of the influence of specific details on the response of the connections was performed, resulting in practical detailing recommendations. © 2018 Trans Tech Publications Ltd, Switzerland.