New modeling for moment–rotation behavior of boltedendplate connections

A new exponential model to depict the moment–rotation (m–?) relationship of bolted endplateconnections (bec) is proposed. the proposed model represents an approach to the prediction of m–?curves, taking into account the possible failure modes and the deformation characteristics of theconnection elements. the presented model has three physical parameters, along with two curve-fittedfactors. these physical parameters are generated from dimensional details of the connection, as well asthe material properties. by employing simplified connection behavioral models to estimate the connectionm–? behavior, analytical expressions for evaluating major connection parameters, such as initial stiffnessand ultimate moment, are derived. the m–? curves obtained by the model are compared with publishedconnection tests and 3d fem research. the model yields acceptable results in good agreement with actualconnection behavior. besides, comparison between the presented model and other existing equations, inprediction of the derived bec’s m–? curve, shows the reasonably accurate results of the proposed model.