Finite-element simulation of a beam-to-column connection with circle web opening

Connections with pre-cast hollow sections are commonly preferred in recent times because of the convenience they offer. The present work describes a finite-element model developed to simulate the structural behaviour of beam-to-column joints with hollow sections. In order to verify the model, a simple beam-to-column joint is modelled in a laboratory test; the joint consists of an end-plate welded to a beam and bolted to a column. The validity of the finite-element model is then established by comparing its results with the corresponding experimental tests. Thereafter a parametric study is carried out to investigate the structural behaviour with variations in the pre-cast web opening radius and distance from the connection.