Numerical design calculation of flush endplate connections at elevated temperatures

Abstract

The fire design of bolted connections is a critical aspect of structural fire engineering, as the failure of steel connections under fire conditions can compromise the entire structure. This paper presents numerical design calculations of flush endplate connections using the component-based finite-element method (CBFEM) at elevated temperatures. The CBFEM models are developed and validated against experimental data, focusing on load-rotation behaviour, connection resistance, and failure modes under thermal stress. By integrating the component method with finite-element analysis, CBFEM provides a robust framework for simulating the behaviour of steel connections in fire. Additionally, the method is verified against Eurocode design specifications for further validation. The results demonstrate that CBFEM is a reliable and accurate approach for the fire design of bolted steel connections at elevated temperatures, offering precise predictions of connection performance and failure mechanisms