Validation of FE Model for Bolted Steel Macro Component

The bolted end plate connections represent a convenient method for joining structural elements in multistorey steel frame structures. Their design is based on the component method, which evaluates the behaviour of the basic components through equivalent T-stubs, to model the tension zone that constitutes the most relevant source of deformability. Although numerical investigations can determine accurately the elastic capacity, the plastic response is highly dependent on the failure mode of the T-stub, due to the plasticisation of the bolts and of the steel plate. The paper presents the validation of a FE model for bolted steel macro component using experimental results on bolted T-stubs.