Numerical Simulation of Local Reinforcement of Steel Column-Beam Connections

Document Type : Research Papers

Authors

1 Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Blida 1, Blida, Algeria.

2 Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Technology, University of Blida 1, Algeria.

3 Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Technology, University of Blida 1, Algeria.

Abstract

This study examines the behavior of beam-to-column moment connections where the beam tension flange force is transferred to the column flanges through bolts attached to a welded end-plate or T-stub. A significant challenge with this type of connection is the potential inability of the column flange to develop the required design resistance, necessitating either an increase in size or local reinforcement. Three-dimensional finite element analysis models of nine T-stubs were developed using ABAQUS software to investigate the behavior of such connections when locally reinforced with non-welded stiffeners. The numerical simulation results were compared with available experimental data from the literature. The study evaluated the influence of different reinforcement types on the stress and displacement distribution at the column flange level. The effectiveness of using angles and channels as reinforcement was clearly demonstrated, with an observed improvement in connection strength of over 250% for models with channel plates and 280% for models with angle plates compared to the unreinforced model. Additionally, these reinforcements resulted in significantly lower displacement, with reductions of about 90% for both channel and angle plate models.

Keywords

References

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Civil Engineering Infrastructures Journal
Volume 59, Issue 1
June 2026
Pages 65-84

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History

  • Receive Date: 11 June 2024
  • Revise Date: 05 August 2024
  • Accept Date: 26 August 2024

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