Efficient implementation of a component-based joint model

Abstract

This paper deals with a nonlinear analysis of beam-to-column steel joint. The connection uses an end-plate welded to the steel cross-section of a steel-concrete composite beam and bolted to the column flange. The proposed model developed herein combines the knowledge of prior studies that used the component-based approach, on one hand and the Finite Element algorithmsin plasticity, on second hand. The originality of this work is to efficiently take into account possible gaps between the end-plate and the column flange in case of plastic deformation of some components of the joint during the cyclic loading. The numerical investigation aims topredict the behavior of this type of joint in presence of the gap during the cyclic loading