An analytical evaluation of the response of steel joints under bending and axial force

This paper presents an equivalent elastic model where each bi-linear spring is replaced by two equivalent elastic springs using an energy formulation and in the context of a post-buckling stability analysis. Such a model yields analytical solutions for the evaluation of the behaviour of steel joints under compressive forces, combined axial force and bending moment, which enables the reproduction of their full non-linear behaviour. The resulting formulation is applied to a simple beam-to-column welded connection initially loaded in pure compression. Subsequent loading of the joint in combined bending and various levels of axial force clearly shows the reduction in moment capacity. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.