Numerical Analysis of Cyclic Behavior of Beam-To-Column Bolted Connections in Steel Frames

This article considers the seismic behavior of beam-to-column joints in steel frames for different bolt arrangements by using of finite element modeling. As the most important beam-to-column joint type, the beam-to-column joints with end-plate is chosen for the analysis. Four different specimens have been analyzed. These models had some differences such as bolt arrangement and the presence or absence of end-plate stiffeners. Design of bolts arrangement and stiffeners have been done based on the AISC standards. Two vertical bolt arrangements, with or without stiffener and two other models with horizontal bolt arrangement, with or without stiffeners have been considered. Different aspects such as energy absorption, ductility, initial stiffness and effective stiffness for all specimens have been compared. Finally effect of pre-stressing of all specimens has been assessed. As a result, comparison between vertical bolt arrangement and horizontal bolt arrangement has shown that the vertical bolt arrangement is more advantageous, especially in energy absorption.