Experimental model for predicting the semi-rigid connections’ behaviour with angles and stiffeners

Abstract

This article presents the experimental results of nine specimens of steel bolted beam-to-column connections with top-and-seat angle and stiffener. All of the connections have the angles and beams reinforced with stiffeners in the extended parts. The results are analysed on the basis of the global moment–rotation curves. The main parameters observed are the failure modes, the evolution of the resistance, the stiffness, the rotation capacity, the ductility of a joint and the energy dissipation. The aim was to provide necessary data to improve the Eurocode 3. While the stiffness decreased with the increased thickness of beam stiffeners of 5–10 mm, the maximum bending moment (M_j.max) increased with the increased length of top-and-seat angle.