Influence of the Axial Force on the Bending Behavior of the Extended End Plate Connections

In this paper, the influence of the axial force on the bending behavior of the extended end plate moment connection is investigated. First, finite element analysis was done on two different shape connections without considering the axial force. This analysis elucidates that results from finite element model has a very suitable correlation with predicted values obtained from yield line theory to anticipate end plate yielding. These two models include both thick and intermediate end plate behavior and they are designed with strong column, strong beam and weak connection design philosophy. Then the influence of axial force (tension and compression) on bending behavior of the specified connections was analyzed by finite element method. In the cases of tensile axial force loading, the decrease in bending moment was observed and on the other hand in some cases of compressive axial force loading, the no-prognosticated failure mode was clarified. Finally, it revealed that the presence of axial force on the beam, obviously affects the connection response.