Journal of Constructional Steel Research 63 (2007) 1279–1293

www.elsevier.com/locate/jcsr

Experimental and theoretical analysis of the moment–rotation behaviour of

stiffened extended end-plate connections
Yongjiu Shi ∗ , Gang Shi, Yuanqing Wang
Department of Civil Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China

Received 19 January 2006; accepted 1 November 2006

Abstract

A new theoretical model to evaluate the moment–rotation (M–φ) relationship for stiffened and extended steel beam–column end-plate
connections has been derived in this paper. Based on a specific definition of the end-plate connection rotation, the end-plate connection is
decomposed into several components, including the panel zone, bolt, end-plate and column flange. The complete loading–deformation process of
each component is then analysed. Finally the loading–deformation process for the whole connection is obtained by superimposing the behaviour of
each component. In addition, 5 joint tests have been conducted to verify the proposed analytical model. By comparing it with the test results, it has
been concluded that this analytical model can evaluate the rotational behaviour of end-plate connections, as well as the moment–rotation (M–φ)
curve and the initial rotational stiffness accurately. Furthermore, it can analyse every contribution to the joint’s rotational deformation, such as the
shear deformation of the panel zone, the bolt extension, the bending deformation of the end-plate and column flange, etc. This analytical model
also provides moment–shear rotation (M–φs ) and moment–gap rotation (M–φep ) curves, which establish a reliable foundation for analysing the
detailed rotational behaviour of end-plate connections.
c 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Keywords: End-plate connection; Semi-rigid; Rotational stiffness; Moment–rotation

1. Introduction
Conventional analysis and design of steel frames are usually
carried out under the assumption that the connections joining
the beams to the columns are either fully rigid or ideally
pinned. In fact, as is evident from experimental observations,
all connections used in current engineering practice possess
rigidities which fall between the extreme cases of fully rigid
and ideally pinned [1], i.e., the connection is actually semi-
rigid. The behaviour of semi-rigid connections significantly
influences not only the internal force distribution, but also
the deformation of steel structures [2]. For most connections,
the axial and shearing deformations are usually low compared
to the rotational deformation. Consequently, for practical
design, it is essential to determine the connection’s rotational
deformation. Therefore, almost all the steel design codes of
different countries from all over the world [3–6] require that the
effect of connection deformations should be taken into account
∗ Corresponding author. Tel.: +86 10 6278 2012; fax: +86 10 6278 8623.
E-mail address: shiyj@tsinghua.edu.cn (Y. Shi).
in the global analysis and design of steel frames with semi-rigid
connections. Hence, much effort has been focused in recent
years toward determining connection moment–rotation (M–φ)
relationships [7].
Certainly, full-scale and carefully conducted joint experi-
ments are the most reliable sources and direct method of ob-
taining M–φ relationships. While more than 800 tests of beam-
to-column connections have been performed around the world
today, only about 300 of them have provided currently useful
moment–rotation data [2]. Since the connection details consist
of a number of components, any changes in these connection
details may lead to significant variations in the connection char-
acteristics [8]. In addition, many other variable parameters, for
example, details of the fabrication and assembly of the connec-
tions, also vary enormously and can affect their behaviour [9].
It is impossible to test all of the connections that might be used
in steel construction. Some researchers such as Goverdhan,
Nethercot, Kishi and Chen, have collected the available experi-
mental results and constructed steel connection data banks that
provide the user with not only the test data, but also some pre-
dictive equations [1]. Where the connections detailing, beam,

c 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

0143-974X/$ - see front matter
doi:10.1016/j.jcsr.2006.11.008
1280 Y. Shi et al. / Journal of Constructional Steel Research 63 (2007) 1279–1293

and column sizes used in frame analysis are significantly dif-

Notation ferent from the available experiments, however, the connection
behaviour retrieved from a database may not correctly repre-
Ae effective area of bolt shank threaded section;
sent the actual connections. Furthermore, not every structural
E elastic modulus of steel;
Eb elastic modulus of bolt; engineer has access to the database of experimental results.
Eh hardening modulus of steel; The most widely used semi-rigid connections are the angle
E bh hardening modulus of bolt; cleat and end-plate connections. For end-plate connections,
G shear modulus; the common approaches for predicting the M–φ relationship,
Ic f,l moment of inertia of the column panel zone left besides experiments, are the T-stub analogy, the yield line
flange; theory and the finite element analysis [10].
Ic f,r moment of inertia of the column panel zone right Early attempts to develop a design methodology for end-
flange; plate connections were based on the T-stub analogy developed
M the joint moment; by Douty and McGuire [11], Nair et al. [12], Kato and
M Rd,s the design moment resistance of the panel zone; McGuire [13], Agerskov [14] and others. More recently,
N1 the transferred tension force of a single bolt in the methods based on refined yield line analysis have been
first bolt-row; suggested, in which the widely accepted design procedures
Ni the transferred tension force of a single bolt in the of end-plate connections are derived from [15–19]. Eurocode
ith bolt-row; 3 [3] has formally recommended an M–φ curve for end-plate
1Ni the actual increase of the bolt tension force in the connections based on the T-stub yield line theory.
ith bolt-row; The finite element analysis of end-plate connections was
Vp volume of the panel zone; first developed by Krishnamurthy [20–22]. An exhaustive
bep end-plate width;
analytical study of four-bolt, unstiffened, extended end-plates,
ef distance from the bolt centre to the beam flange
along with a series of experimental investigations, leads to
surface;
the development of the design procedure found in Ref. [23].
ew distance from the bolt centre to the beam web
Tarpy and Cardinal carried out an elastic finite element
surface;
study and experimental verification for unstiffened end-plate
fv the steel shear strength;
fy the steel yield strength; connections and also proposed a design methodology [24].
f by the bolt yield strength; Maxwell et al. [25] developed a prediction equation for the
f bu the bolt ultimate tension strength; ultimate moment of the connection and the M–φ relationships
h bw beam web height; based on the finite element method and experimental as well.
h cw column web height; Sherbourne and Bahaari used 3-D finite elements to analyze
ht the distance between the centre lines of the beam end-plate connections. In addition to the overall behaviour,
top and bottom flanges; the contribution of the bolt, end-plate and column flange
1l deformation at the beam tension flange centreline flexibility to the connection rotation was singled out [26].
caused by the bolt extension; With the finite element method, they also studied the structural
1l1 the extension of a single bolt in the first bolt-row; properties of an extended end-plate connected to an unstiffened
1l2 the extension of a single bolt in the second bolt- column flange [27]. Based on 34 stiffened, extended end-plate
row; connections and 19 end-plate connections without stiffeners in
lb bolt shank length, equal to the thickness of the tension region, they produced a single standardized M–φ
plates which the bolt clamped plus the washers function for each of these two connection types by curve
thickness; fitting [28,29]. Shi et al. used many new functions of the finite
tc f,l thickness of the column panel zone left flange; element method and simulated the mechanical behaviour of
tc f,r thickness of the column panel zone right flange; end-plate connections and each component more accurately [9,
tcw column web thickness; 30,31].
tep end-plate thickness; Currently the widely accepted nonlinear M–φ relationship
yi distance from the ith bolt-row centreline to the formulae are the polynomial model, the power model and the
neutral axis; exponential model. From a survey of these existing models,
y1 distance from the first bolt-row centreline to the it was found that the coefficient and parameters involved in
neutral axis;
these modeling formulae, by and large, were calibrated from
y2 distance from the second bolt-row centreline to
the relevant test results or finite element analysis results.
the neutral axis;
But curve fitting will not give any indications as to how
α the ratio of the compression distribution area
connection components deform or fail, and provides less help
between the contacted surfaces around a bolt on
to designers for improving connection design. In the design
the bolt shank area;
εi the bolt tension strain of the ith bolt-row. M–φ curve recommended by Eurocode 3, the nonlinear part
is also determined by curve fitting, and the corresponding
research is mostly based on the end-plate connections with
 Y. Shi et al. / Journal of Constructional Steel Research 63 (2007) 1279–1293 1281

unstiffened columns, which may not be suitable for all the end-
plate connection types. Furthermore, the last part of this curve
is the horizontal line and this cannot consider the hardening
effect, which leads to great discrepancies with the actual
behaviour of the connection [32]. Finite element analysis is
precise and reliable, and can analyze complicated connection
profiles that may be difficult to investigate by experiment.
However, such finite element analysis generally requires a large
commercial package and is not therefore feasible for many
practical applications. Most importantly, the effects of torque,
lack of fit, construction imperfections and defects, etc., may be
difficult to include in a finite element model. A well-defined
theoretical method that can be easily carried out and is only
based on the connection’s details is needed indeed for the
analysis of the end-plate connection M–φ relationship.
Fig. 1. Test specimen and loading arrangement.

2. End-plate connection standard details

Many experiments have been performed to investigate

the influences of the connection details on the connection’s
behaviour. Ghobarah et al. [33–35] concluded that connections
with unstiffened columns showed very poor behaviour as
compared with those that were stiffened. Tsai and Popov [36]
pointed out that an end-plate rib stiffener and stronger bolts can
significantly improve the behaviour of end-plate connections
under large cyclic loading, and the extended end-plate moment
connections can be designed to develop the full plastic moment
capacity of the beam under cyclic loading, and the effect of
the prying force was reduced by the use of the end-plate rib
stiffener. Adey et al. [37] proposed that the application of
extension stiffeners increases the connection flexural strength,
yield rotation as well as energy dissipation capacity.
Summarising the available test results and other relevant Fig. 2. Testing set.
research results, standard details of end-plate moment
connections for multistorey steel frames, especially in seismic
regions, can be proposed as follows: The end-plate extends Table 1
on both sides; the column flange and end-plate are stiffened; Types and details of specimens
the thickness of the column flange stiffener and the end-plate Specimen number End-plate thickness (mm) Bolt diameter (mm)
extension stiffener should be no less than the thickness of the EPC-1 20 20
beam flange and web respectively; the thickness of the column EPC-2 25 20
flange is equal to the end-plate within the range of 100 mm EPC-3 20 24
above and below the extension edge of the end-plate. EPC-4 25 24
In this paper, an analytical model for the M–φ relationship EPC-5 16 20
of this type of end-plate connection has been proposed and
the corresponding joint tests have been conducted to verify the
analytical results. web thicknesses and flange thicknesses of the columns and
beams are 300 mm, 8 mm and 12 mm, and the flange widths
3. Test specimens are 250 mm and 200 mm, respectively. The thickness of the
column flange is equal to that of the end-plate within the range
Five specimens of stiffened and extended beam-to-column of 100 mm above and below the extension edge of the end-
end-plate connections with various details are tested under plate. The thicknesses of the column stiffener and end-plate rib
monotonic loads. A sketch of a typical connection specimen stiffeners are 12 mm and 10 mm respectively.
is shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The out-of-plane deformation of Full penetration welds are applied between the end-plate and
specimens was restrained during tests. The details of these beam flanges as well as the column flange splices, and the other
5 specimens are shown in Table 1 and Fig. 3. The beam welds, including the welds between the flanges and webs of
and column sizes with welded I-shaped cross-sections used beams and columns, end-plates and beam webs, are fillet welds
for all these 5 specimens were identical. The section depths, with 8 mm leg size.
1282 Y. Shi et al. / Journal of Constructional Steel Research 63 (2007) 1279–1293

Table 2
Material properties

Material Measured yield Measured tensile Measured elastic Design value of bolt Measured bolt average
strength (MPa) strength (MPa) modulus (MPa) pre-tension force (kN) pre-tension force (kN)
Steel (thickness ≤ 16 mm) 391 559 190 707 – –
Steel (thickness > 16 mm) 363 537 204 228 – –
Bolts (M20) 995 1160 – 155 185
Bolts (M24) 975 1188 – 225 251

Table 3
Test results
Specimen Loading Moment Moment resistance change Initial rotational Initial rotational Failure mode
number capacity (kN) resistance (kN m) compared with EPC-1 (%) stiffness stiffness change
S j,ini (kN m/rad) compared with
EPC-1 (%)
EPC-1 286.4 343.7 0.0 52 276 – Bolt fracture
EPC-2 268.4 322.1 −6.3 46 094 −11.8 Bolt fracture
EPC-3 325.3 390.3 13.6 46 066 −11.9 Buckling of beam flange and
web in compression
EPC-4 342.3 410.8 19.5 47 469 −9.2 Buckling of beam flange and
web in compression
EPC-5 296.1 355.4 3.4 41 634 −20.4 Bolt fracture and buckling of
end-plate rib stiffener in
compression

Fig. 4. A gauged bolt.

pre-tension forces and the actually applied bolt pre-tension

Fig. 3. Details of connections.
The steel is grade Q345 (nominal yielding stress f y =
345 MPa), and the bolts are high strength friction-grip bolts
(Grade 10.9). The material properties of the steel and bolts
are obtained from tensile tests on coupons and from the bolts’
certificate of quality, as shown in Table 2. The proof elastic
modulus of the bolts is taken as 206 000 N/mm2 .
One line of bolts on each connection was instrumented using
strain gauges, and these bolts are numbered in Fig. 3. Two
shallow slots were grooved symmetrically on the unthreaded
portion of the bolt shank, and in each slot a strain gauge
was fixed and covered with resin for protection (Fig. 4).
The alignment of the two strain gauges was secured to be
perpendicular to the beam flange during the tightening of the
bolts, so that the maximum and minimum strain of the bolt
in the connection moment plane could be measured. The bolt
axial force can be calculated by taking the average of the
two strain gauges’ measured values. All bolts were tightened
by the calibrated wrench method. The design values of bolt
forces are listed in Table 2. The contact surface between the
end-plate and column flange was prepared by blasting, with a
slip coefficient 0.44.
Fig. 1 displays all the displacement transducers installed
to measure the joint deformation. No. 1 was used to monitor
the displacement at the loading point. Nos. 2–10 measure the
relative deformation between the end-plate and column flange.
Nos. 11 and 12 measure the inner shearing deformation of the
panel zone. Nos. 13 and 14 were arranged next to the column
stiffeners to measure the shearing deformation of the panel
zone. No. 15 measures the slippage between the end-plate and
column flange.
4. Test results and discussion
4.1. Rotational stiffness and M–φ, M–φep , M–φs curves
The test results of the specimens are summarised in Table 3.
The failure modes of specimens are shown in Fig. 5. In these
tests, the fracture and necking positions of all the failed bolts
appear on the threaded portion and not at the strain gauge slots,
as shown in Fig. 5, which indicates that these grooved slots do
not damage the bolt capacity.
With regard to the joint rotation φ, the conventional
definition is suggested as the angle change between the beam
 Y. Shi et al. / Journal of Constructional Steel Research 63 (2007) 1279–1293
Fig. 5. Failure modes of the specimens.
Fig. 6. Definition of joint rotation.
and the column from its original configuration [1]. In this paper,
the joint rotation φ of the beam-to-column end-plate connection
is defined as the relative rotation between the centre lines of the
beam top and bottom flanges at the beam end, and it usually
includes two parts: the shearing rotation φs , contributed by the
panel zone of the column, and the gap rotation φep , caused by
the relative deformation between the end-plate and the column
flange, including the bending deformation of the end-plate and
column flange as well as the extension of the bolts (Fig. 6).
The shearing rotation φs is calculated by ∆/ h t , and the gap
rotation φep is calculated by δ/ h t , giving φ = φs + φep , where
∆ is the displacement difference of the panel zone at the centre
lines of the top and bottom beam flanges at the beam end which
can be measured by displacement transducer Nos. 13 and 14;
δ is the gap between the end-plate and the column flange at
the beam tension flange centre line, which can be measured by
displacement transducer No. 4; and h t is the distance between
the centre lines of the top and bottom beam flanges, and is
288 mm. M–φ curves of all the specimens are shown in Fig. 7.
M–φs and M–φep curves of each specimen are also measured
to verify the analytical model, and the comparison results are
shown in Figs. 12 and 13.
The loading capacity presented in Table 3 is the maximum
pushing load applied. The moment resistance is calculated by
multiplying the load with the arm of the loading(1.2 m). It can
be seen from Fig. 7 that the M–φ curves of all the end-plate
connection specimens are almost linear when the moment is
less than 60 kN m; therefore the initial rotational stiffnesses,
1283
Fig. 7. M–φ curves of the specimens.
S j,ini , of the connections are defined as the secant rotational
stiffnesses up to this bending moment. According to Eurocode
3 [3], S j,ini is compared to the flexural stiffness of the connected
beam EIb /L b . The connection is rigid when S j,ini is larger than
25EIb /L b for unbraced frames, nominally pinned when S j,ini
is less than 0.5EIb /L b , and semi-rigid when S j,ini is between
these two values. If we assume that the natural beam length of
specimens is 1.2 m × 2 = 2.4 m, then EIb /L b is 9751 kN m,
and S j,ini for all the specimens are about 4.3–5.4 times EIb /L b ,
so all the tested connections are semi-rigid. If the tested beam
section sizes are applied in 4–5 m span frames and EIb /L b is
4681–5851 kN m, the Sj,ini of all the connections are about 7.1–
11.2 times EIb /L b , and therefore all the connections are still
classified as semi-rigid.
The influence of connection details on the behaviour of end-
plate connections can be analyzed from Table 3 and Fig. 7.
EPC-1 is a reference specimen, and the other connection
specimens alter only one or two parameters from EPC-1. EPC-
2 has increased the end-plate thickness compared with EPC-
1, but its moment resistance decreases remarkably and its
initial rotational stiffness changes less; its rotational stiffness
1284 Y. Shi et al. / Journal of Constructional Steel Research 63 (2007) 1279–1293

Fig. 8. Bolt tension force generated by applied moment.

is much larger than EPC-1 when nonlinearity of the M–φ
curve occurs. EPC-3 has increased the bolt diameter, which also
means a larger bolt pre-tension force; its moment resistance
is much higher than EPC-1, which fails by bolt fracture.
EPC-4 has increased both the end-plate thickness and bolt
diameter; its moment resistance is the largest among all the
specimens; higher rotational stiffness is observed during its
loading process. EPC-5 has reduced the end-plate thickness,
but its moment resistance increases on the contrary, because the
end-plate is thin and its bending stiffness is smaller, leading
to the bolt tension force distribution among the four bolts in
tension being more uniform. Meanwhile, its initial rotational
stiffness decreases significantly, with excellent ductility and
rotation capacity.
4.2. Bolt force and distribution
The bolt tension forces generated by the applied moments
are shown in Fig. 8. In this paper, the bolt tension force
 Y. Shi et al. / Journal of Constructional Steel Research 63 (2007) 1279–1293 1285

Table 4
Moment values of curve of Specimens 1, 2 and 3 (kN m)

Specimen number Curve 1 Curve 2 Curve 3

EPC-1 80 199 248
EPC-2 80 210 248
EPC-3 100 224 300
EPC-4 100 226 289
EPC-5 70 209 230

indicates the tension force increment caused by the joint

moment, excluding the pre-tension force. The loading stages
corresponding to curve 1, 2 and 3 in Fig. 8 are listed in
Table 4. The applied moment at curve 1 is around the design Fig. 9. M–φs model.
moment resistance of the connection from the Chinese codes [6,
38,39], where the connection is in the elastic stage. The
When the joint applied moment M is equal to M Rd,s , the
applied moment at curve 2 is around the knee point of the
panel zone yields, and the panel zone shear strain reaches
M–φ curves of each specimen, where the nonlinearity and
γ = γ y = f v /G. The shear rotation actually is the shear strain,
partial plasticity occur. Curve 3 corresponds to the moment
and is also the shearing rotation φsy = γ y . When M ≤ M Rd ,
where the nonlinearity is obvious and plasticity has developed
the joint shearing rotation initial stiffness K s,ini is given by:
significantly.
From Fig. 8, it can be noted that, for all these connections, M Rd,s M Rd,s
K s,ini = =
generally the neutral axis of the connection is around the centre φsy γy
line of the bolts group, which is on the centre line of the 4
connection when the bolts are arranged symmetrically about 3 f v h bw h cw tcw 4
= = · G · h bw h cw tcw . (2)
the beam section centre line, and the bolt force generated by f v /G 3
the bending moment is approximately distributed linearly. The
From Eqs. (1) and (2), it is noted that the restraints around
negative values in the compression zone means that the bending
the panel zone increase its resistance and stiffness by 1/3.
moment will reduce the resultant bolt force to levels below the
According to Krawinkler et al. [40], after yielding, the panel
pre-tension level. For EPC-1, EPC-2, EPC-4 and EPC-5, the
zone rotational stiffness can be attributed to the bending of the
maximal tension force appears on the first bolt-row, and the
column flanges, and it can be computed as:
tension force of the second bolt-row develops gradually. For
EPC-3, the tension force of the second bolt-row is maximal 12 EIc f,l 12 EIc f,r
at the initial loading stage. With the moment increasing, the Kp = + (3)
5 tc f,l β 5 tc f,r β
tension force of the first bolt-row exceeds the second bolt-row
and remains maximal up to failure. where β is a factor intended to account for the beneficial effect
of column shear above and below the joint, whose calculation
5. Analytical model method can be obtained from Ref. [40].
This post-yielding stiffness is developed up to the yielding
As specified above, the end-plate joint rotation φ consists
of the column flanges occurring for a shear deformation of the
of the shearing rotation φs and the gap rotation φep . The gap
panel zone, which can be approximately assumed to be equal to
rotation φep is contributed by the flexural deformation of the
4 γ y . Therefore, the corresponding moment is given by:
end-plate and column flange as well as the extension of the
bolts. This analytical model will evaluate the M–φs and M–φep M p = K s, ini · γ y + K p · 3γ y . (4)
curve respectively, and then superpose these two curves to get
the final M–φ curve. After the development of this moment, i.e., the column
flange yielding, the panel zone rotational stiffness attributed to
5.1. Analytical model for M–φs curve the strain hardening can be computed as:
From the relevant research findings [32,40], the M–φs curve Eh
adopting a trilinear model is recommended as shown in Fig. 9. Ks = K s,ini . (5)
E
Some research [40] has indicated that the restraints around the
column panel zone, especially the column flange, will increase 5.2. Analytical model for M–φep curve
the panel zone loading capacity and its stiffness. The Chinese
steel structural design code [6] simplifies this contribution
(i) Analysis assumptions
and presents the calculation equation for the design moment
From the test results obtained by this paper, and the typical
resistance of the panel zone as:
end-plate connections meeting the abovementioned standard
4 4 4 fy details and requirements, we can simplify and assume that
M Rd,s = f v V p = f v h bw h cw tcw = · √ · h bw h cw tcw .(1) the bolt tension strain generated by the applied moment is
3 3 3 3
1286 Y. Shi et al. / Journal of Constructional Steel Research 63 (2007) 1279–1293

Substituting Eq. (9) into Eqs. (6)–(8), it can be obtained that

at this moment, the bolt tension strain is given by
1Ni P
ε0 = = . (10)
E b Ae α E b Ae
The total bolt force is
α+1
Ni = P (11)
Fig. 10. Bolt tension strain and force generated by the applied moment. α
and the extension deformation of this bolt is
approximately a linear distribution, and the neutral axis of the 1li = ε0 · lb . (12)
connection is located approximately at the beam mid-height,
and the bolt tension strains in each of the two rows of bolts Stage 2: The second stage starts from the separation of the
are considered as equal. Here the specified bolt tension strain end-plate and the column flange around the bolt and lasts until
is the increment caused by the applied joint moment, excluding bolt yielding in tension, i.e., ε0 < εi ≤ εby − ε p . During this
the pretension strain. Until the end-plate and the column flange stage, the actual increase of the bolt tension force can still be
separate, the bolt force contributed by the bending moment calculated by Eq. (6), and the total tension force on this bolt is
can be assumed to be linearly distributed as shown in Fig. 10. Ni = P + E b Ae εi (13)
The tension force indicates an increment in the bolt force and
compression force indicates a decrement in the bolt force. and when yielding, the total bolt strain is equal to the yielding
f
(ii) Joint rotation contributed by bolt extension strain εby = Ebyb , and the actual bolt tension strain increment is
Before the moment is applied to the connection, the bolts given by
are tightened to the bolt pre-tension force P. From the static
equilibrium, the contact force C between the end-plate and the f by P f by Ae − P
εi = εby − ε p = − = . (14)
column flange around this bolt is also equal to P. Eb E b Ae E b Ae
With the joint moment developing, the bolts in tension can The total tension force of this bolt is given by
experience the following three stages:
Stage 1: The first stage lasts until the end-plate and the Ni = f by Ae (15)
column flange separate around bolt location, i.e., εi ≤ ε0 .
where ε p is the bolt pre-tension strain taken as ε p = E bPAe ; f by
During this stage, with the joint moment developing, the contact
is the bolt yield strength.
force between the end-plate and the column flange decreases
Stage 3: The third stage starts from the bolt yielding in
while the bolt tension force increases. Assuming the applied
tension until the bolt reaches its ultimate tension strength,
moment is M, and the contact force becomes C 0 = C − 1C,
i.e., εby − ε p < εi ≤ εbu − ε p . During this stage, the actual
and the total bolt tension force is increased to Ni = P + 1Ni ,
increment of the bolt tension force is given by
where C is the initial contact force between the end-plate and
column flange under pre-tension P; 1C, 1N are the contact 1Ni = f by Ae + E bh Ae (εi − εby ) − P. (16)
force decrement and bolt tension increment caused by applied
moment. From the static equilibrium, it can be obtained that The total tension force of this bolt is evaluated as
1C = α1Ni , and α is the ratio of the contact area around a bolt Ni = f by Ae + E bh Ae (εi − εby ). (17)
to the bolt shank area, according to the analysis results [31], the
value of α can be taken as 10 conservatively. When the bolt reaches its ultimate tension strength, its total
f f −f
The actual increment in bolt tension force can be expressed strain is equal to the ultimate tension strain εbu = Ebyb + buE bh by ,
as and this bolt tension strain increment is
1Ni = E b Ae εi (6) εi = εbu − ε p . (18)
and the tension force on this bolt is given by The total tension force of this bolt is given by
Ni = (α + 1)1Ni (7) Ni = f bu Ae . (19)
and the extension deformation of this bolt is given by The joint rotation contributed by bolt extension deformation,
1li = εi · lb . (8) which is also called bolt extension rotation in the following
text, can be obtained by the following pivotal points of
Whenever the contact force between the end-plate and the procedure (a)–(e). Linking these points with straight lines, the
column flange around this bolt is reduced to zero, i.e., the end- moment–bolt extension rotation curve will be obtained:
plate and the column flange separate around bolt, the decrement (a) The contact force between the end-plate and the column
of this contact force is given by 1C = α1Ni = P, so that flange at the first bolt-row is reduced to zero, i.e., at the
P stage where the end-plate separates from the column flange by
1Ni = . (9) applying moment at the first bolt-row.
α
 Y. Shi et al. / Journal of Constructional Steel Research 63 (2007) 1279–1293 1287

Fig. 11. End-plate stiffness.

Here the actual increments on the bolt tension force, the bolt After the tension strain of the bolts(Fig. 10) in the tension
tension strain, the total tension force and the extension of the zone has been obtained, the actual increment on the bolt tension
bolt in the first bolt-row can be calculated by Eqs. (9)–(12) force, the total tension force and the extension deformation of
respectively. this bolt can be calculated. The corresponding joint moment and
From the linear distribution assumption, the bolt tension the bolt extension rotation can be calculated as:
strain in tension zone εi can be calculated from X
M =2 (Ni · yi ) (23)
ε1
εi = · yi . (20) 1l 1l1 1l2 1li
y1 φb = = = = (24)
ht 2y1 2y2 2yi
The tension force of this bolt can be calculated from Eqs. (6) P
and (7), and can also be calculated as where, is summation for all the bolts in the tension zone.
From the above calculation procedure (a)–(e), we can get
N1
Ni = · yi . (21) some pivotal points for the joint moment and the corresponding
y1 bolt extension rotation. Linking these pivotal points by the
(b) The contact force between the end-plate and the column sequence of the magnitudes of the corresponding bolt extension
flange at the second bolt-row is reduced to zero, i.e., at the rotation, the moment–bolt extension rotation curve can be
moment the end-plate is separated from the column flange by obtained, extending the straight line segment by its own slope
applying moment at the second bolt-row. beyond the point (e).
Here the actual increment on the bolt tension force, the bolt (iii) Joint rotation contributed by the bending deformation of
tension strain, the total tension force and the extension of the the end-plate and column flange
bolt in the second bolt-row can be calculated by Eqs. (9)–(12) The joint rotations contributed by the bending deformation
respectively. of the end-plate and column flange are called the end-plate
Similarly, bolt tension strain in tension zone εi can be rotation and the column flange rotation respectively. The
calculated as bending deformation of the end-plate and column flange can be
ε2 calculated according to the bolt tension force obtained by the
εi = · yi . (22)
y2 above calculation procedure (a)–(e), taking into account only
(c) The first bolt-row yields. the deformation of the end-plate and column flange around one
Here the bolt tension strain and the total tension force of the bolt-row on both sides of the beam tension flange.
bolt in the first bolt-row can be calculated by Eqs. (14) and (15) Since the calculation procedure of the column flange
respectively. The bolt tension strain in tension zone εi can be deformation is the same for the end-plate, the end-plate rotation
calculated by Eq. (20). is given to introduce the calculation method.
(d) The second bolt-row yields. For the end-plate connection meeting the above standard
Here the bolt tension strain and the total tension force of the details requirements, the beam flange, the beam web and the
bolt in the second bolt-row can be calculated by Eqs. (14) and end-plate extension rib stiffener can be considered as the fixed
(15) respectively. The bolt tension strain in tension zone εi can restraints of the end-plate segment. The end-plate segment
be calculated by Eq. (22). around the bolt in tension can be separated and simplified into
(e) The bolt of the first bolt-row reaching ultimate tension a two-edge fixed plate [41] as shown in Fig. 11. The arrow is
strength. the bolt clamp force. As the pre-tension bolt clamps the plates
Here the bolt tension strain and the total tension force of the effectively, it can be assumed that the end-plate segment is fixed
bolt in the first bolt-row can be calculated by Eqs. (18) and (19) at the bolt centre line. Furthermore, this end-plate segment can
respectively. The bolt tension strain in tension zone εi can be be decomposed into two plates with opposite ends fixed. The
calculated by Eq. (20). stiffness of this end-plate segment k I or kII is equal to the
1288 Y. Shi et al. / Journal of Constructional Steel Research 63 (2007) 1279–1293

Fig. 12. Comparison of the M–φs curve from the analytical models and tests.

summation of stiffness of these two plates: b2 is larger than ew + e f , b1 or b2 is set equal to ew + e f , as

shown in Fig. 11.
kI or kII = k1 + k2 (25)
In particular, when the plate bending spans are of the
where k I or kII is the stiffness of the end-plate segment around same order of magnitude as the plate thickness itself [42], the
one bolt of the first and second bolt-rows respectively. If b1 or plate’s shear deformation cannot be neglected. From material
Y. Shi et al. / Journal of Constructional Steel Research 63 (2007) 1279–1293 1289

Fig. 13. Comparison of the M–φep curve from analytical model and tests.
1290 Y. Shi et al. / Journal of Constructional Steel Research 63 (2007) 1279–1293

mechanics, the k1 and k2 can be expressed as to the bending resistance of the end-plate segment is larger
than the bolt’s ultimate tension resistance, this indicates that
1 1
k1 = β1 = β1 (26) the end-plate is rather thick and it does not yield. Here, the
3
ew α s ew 3
ew α s ew
12EI
+ GA 3 + slope of the last straight line segment, i.e. the straight line
Eb1 tep Gb1 tep
segment after point (e), is taken to be equal to the slope of its
1 1 preceding straight line segment. This circumstance should be
k 2 = β2 = β2 (27)
e3f αs e f e3f αs e f avoided during the design. According to the relevant tests and
12EI
+ GA 3 +
Eb2 tep Gb2 tep investigation results [3,32,43], the failure of the end-plate in
where αs = 1.5, is a parameter taking into account the shear bending can provide the joint with higher deformation capacity,
deformation; β1 = 1 − A2 /(b1 ew ) and β2 = 1 − A1 /(b2 e f ) are while the failure of bolts in tension is much less dissipative and
the reduction coefficients, because the stiffness of the areas A1 less deformable. The seismic design rule of “strong connection,
and A2 in Fig. 11 have been calculated repeatedly. weak plate” should be adopted. It also suggested applying the
After yielding occurs at the section edge of the end- end-plate with moderate thickness and adequately stiffening.
plate segment and it reaches its bending resistance, according The bolt diameter should be adequate so that the bolt ultimate
to references [3,32], the end-plate segment stiffness is tension resistance is higher than the end-plate segment ultimate
approximate to 1/7 of its initial stiffness, i.e., k I /7 or kII /7. bending resistance, in order to assure the joint ductility and
After the total cross-section of the end-plate segment yields, energy dissipation capacity.
it reaches its ultimate bending resistance. Taking into account For the end-plate connection with a strong bolt and weak
the strain hardening, the end-plate segment stiffness is taken as end-plate, it may happen that the bending resistance of the end-
Eh Eh plate segment at the first bolt-row is below the bolt tension
E k I or E kII .
From Ref. [41], the bolt tension force corresponding to the force of the first bolt-row when the end-plate and column
bending resistance of a two-edge fixed end-plate segment is flange separate at this position, i.e. the end-plate segment yields
given by prior to the separation of the end-plate and column flange.
Here a pivotal point should be added to the moment–end-plate
2 f
bep tep y (e f + ew )tep
2 f
y rotation curve, which is the bolt tension force of the first bolt-
Ny = + . (28) row corresponding to the yielding resistance of the end-plate
6e f 3ew
segment at this position. The relevant bolt transferred tension
When this segment reaches its ultimate bending resistance, the force, the bolt extension, the bending deformation of the end-
bolt tension force is taken as plate and the corresponding end-plate rotation can then be
Nu = 1.5N y . (29) calculated.
(iii) Moment–gap rotation (M–φep ) curve
Based on the bolt tension force calculated from the above The moment–gap rotation (M–φep ) curve can be obtained
calculation procedure (a)–(e), the end-plate deformation at the by superposing the moment–bolt extension rotation curve, the
first bolt-row ∆ep1 and second bolt-row ∆ep2 can be calculated. moment–end plate rotation curve and the moment–column
The deformation at the centre line of the beam tension flange flange rotation curve.
∆ep , is taken as the average of ∆ep1 and ∆ep2 , i.e., ∆ep = The calculation method for the moment–column flange
(∆ep1 + ∆ep2 )/2. The corresponding end-plate rotation is given rotation curve is the same as that for the moment–end plate
by rotation curve. If the column flange is wider than the end-plate,
the values of b1 and b2 for the column flange should be taken
∆ep
φep = . (30) as the values of the end-plate.
ht
From the above calculation procedure (a)–(e), the joint 5.3. Moment–rotation (M–φ) curve
moment and the corresponding end-plate rotation can be
calculated. The moment–end-plate rotation curve can be The moment–rotation (M–φ) curve can be obtained by
obtained. After point (e), the line slope is taken as EEh K i , where superposing the moment-shearing rotation (M–φs ) curve and
K i is the initial stiffness of this curve, i.e. the slope of the first the moment–gap rotation (M–φep ) curve. During the process
straight line segment of this curve. of superposing, for the moment value of each pivotal point of
For the actual behaviour of all the end-plate connection the M–φs curve and M–φep curve, adding the corresponding
moment–rotation (M–φ) curves, its tangent stiffness is shearing rotation φs and gap rotation φep , the joint rotation φ
always decreasing. Accordingly, it is required to revise the is equal to φs + φep . Linking these pairs of M and φ, the M–φ
moment–end plate rotation curve obtained above. Whenever the curve of the end-plate connection can be obtained.
slope of any straight line segment is larger than its preceding
straight line segment, its slope is taken equal to its preceding 6. Comparison of analytical and test results and discussion
straight line segment, and the moments of the pivotal points do
not change. The M–φ curves for test specimens EPC-1–EPC-5 have
For the calculation procedure (e), if the edge of the end-plate been calculated using the above analytical model, and the
segment does not yield, i.e. the bolt tension force corresponding comparison between the M–φs curves, the M–φep curves and
 Y. Shi et al. / Journal of Constructional Steel Research 63 (2007) 1279–1293 1291

Fig. 14. Comparison of the M–φ curves from the analytical model and tests.

the M–φ curves of the analytical models and test results are analytical model is taken as the slope of the first straight line
shown in Figs. 12–14. The comparison between the joint initial segment of its M–φ curve. In Figs. 12–14 and Table 5, Model
rotational stiffness, S j,ini , of the analytical models and test 1 denotes that the analytical results are calculated according to
results are listed in Table 5. The value of S j,ini from the the material property values specified in the current Chinese
1292 Y. Shi et al. / Journal of Constructional Steel Research 63 (2007) 1279–1293
Table 5
Comparison of S j,ini of specimens from analytical and test results
Specimen number Model 1 Model 2
(kN m/rad) (kN m/rad)
EPC-1 49 690 46 811
EPC-2 53 911 50 577
EPC-3 49 845 39 712
EPC-4 54 136 50 775
EPC-5 43 441 40 331
Average
steel design code; the yield strength of Q345 steel is f y =
345 MPa; the ultimate strength is f u = 470 MPa; the yield
strength of grade 10.9 bolt is f by = 940 MPa and its ultimate
tension strength is f bu = 1040 MPa; the elastic modulus of
steel is E = 2.06 × 105 N/mm2 and its shear modulus G =
79 × 103 MPa. Model 2 denotes that the analytical results are
calculated according to the material actual properties obtained
from coupon tests which are listed in Table 2. The steel’s
hardening modulus is assumed to be E h = 0.04E; the bolt’s
hardening modulus is assumed to be E bh = 0.1E b ; Poisson’s
ratio is taken as µ = 0.3; and the elastic modulus of bolt is
taken as E b = 2.06 × 105 N/mm2 .
The other connection parameters are taken as h bw =
276 mm, h cw = 276 mm, tcw = 8 mm, Ae = 244.8 mm2
(M20) or 352.5 mm2 (M24); lb = 48 mm (EPC-1), or 58 mm
(EPC-2), or 50 mm (EPC-3), or 60 mm (EPC-4), or 40 mm
(EPC-5); α = 10, d f = 288 mm, y1 = 200 mm, y2 = 88 mm,
ew = 49 mm, e f = 50 mm, b1 = 100 mm, b2 = 95 mm,
β = 0.856.
From the comparison of the results in Figs. 12–14 and
Table 5, it can be concluded that:
(1) The M–φ curves, the M–φs curves and the joint
initial rotational stiffnesses obtained from the analytical model
coincide well with the test results if the actual material
properties are applied. The comparison verifies the accuracy
of this analytical model. In practical structural design, where
the nominal material property specified in current code is
applied, the analytical models also give satisfactory solutions
with adequate accuracy.
(2) The M–φep curves obtained from the analytical results
coincide well with the tests results at the initial loading stage.
After nonlinearity occurs in the loading curves, there are some
discrepancies between the analytical results and the test results.
The possible reasons behind these discrepancies may
be explained as follows: The end-plate and column flange
deformation is evaluated under the assumption that the end-
plate segment is fixed at the bolt centre line. The end-
plate and column flange contact closely due to the bolt pre-
tension force at the initial loading stage, and this assumption
is reasonable. With the joint moment increasing, the contact
force between the end-plate and column flange is significantly
reduced and even if they separate, this assumption will lead to
some discrepancies, but the discrepancies do not considerably
influence the evaluation of joint total rotation (Fig. 14). The
Test Model 1/ Model 2/
(kN m/rad) Test Test
52 276 0.95 0.90
46 093 1.17 1.10
46 066 1.08 0.86
47 469 1.14 1.07
41 634 1.04 0.97
1.08 0.98
final results of the M–φ curve are in accordance with the tests
generally.
7. Conclusions
(1) In this paper, the stiffened and extended beam–column
end-plate connection has been recommended for end-plate
moment connections in multistory steel frames, and its
standards details have been proposed. Five full-scale joint tests
of this type of end-plate connection have been conducted to
investigate the influences of bolt size and end-plate thickness on
the joint behaviour. The rotational stiffness, moment resistance
and moment–rotation (M–φ) curves are obtained. A clear
definition for the end-plate connection rotation has been
proposed. With a special method to measure the bolt strain, the
distribution and the development of bolt tension force have been
obtained during the tests.
(2) A new analytical model to evaluate the moment–rotation
(M–φ) relationship of this type of end-plate connection has
been proposed. The end-plate connection is decomposed into
several components, including the panel zone, bolt, end-
plate and column flange. The complete loading process of
each component is analysed. The moment–rotation curve of
the whole connection is obtained by superimposing each
component. Comparing with the test results, it has been verified
that this analytical model can sufficiently predict the rotational
behaviour of end-plate connections, such as the initial rotational
stiffness and the moment–rotation (M–φ) curve. Furthermore,
the contributions to the joint rotational deformation of each
component, such as shear deformation of the panel zone,
the bolt extension, bending deformation of the end-plate and
column flange etc. are provided. This analytical model can also
provide the moment–shear rotation (M–φs ) and moment–gap
rotation (M–φep ) curves, thus provide a reliable foundation
for analysing the detailed rotational behaviour of end-plate
connections.
Acknowledgements
The writers gratefully acknowledge the support for this
work, which was funded by the Tsinghua Basic Research
Foundation (Grant No. JCqn2005006) and the Natural Science
Foundation of China (No. 50578083).
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