Finite element analysis and moment resistance of ultra-large capacity end-plate joints

The ultra-large capacity end-plate joints, which can be applied in steel structures involving large spans or heavy loads, can provide larger moment resistance than ordinary end-plate joints or large capacity end-plate joints. However, the existing design methods of the-ordinary or large capacity end-plate joints cannot be adopted for this new joint form directly because of the inhomogeneous distribution of the tensile loads carried by the bolts as well as the complex stress state in the end plate. Finite element models were-built and validated to be reliable using the existing test results. The performance of the ultra-large capacity end-plate joints was analyzed with these models, and a yield line model-of the end plate in the tension side was proposed according to the results. Based on the proposed yield line model, a method to predict the moment resistance of the ultra-large capacity end-plate joints was proposed. The moment resistance obtained by the proposed method was compared to the yielding moment of the finite element.models, and the proposed method was proved to provide a conservative result which is safe to be applied in the design of this kind of joint. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.