Analysis of semi-rigid joints in beam-column elements

Abstract

The history of research into the behaviour of steel beam to column connections is traced starting from early developments in 1917. The parallel development of computers and the reemergence of the matrix methods of structural analysis is also discussed. Types of moment resistant joints between steel beam and column sections are numerous and the number of contributing parameters is considerable. In the elastic range, the joints have low rotational capacity, but in the post-elastic range (around the nominal plastic moment of the beam) the rotational capacity of the joints increases and the design connection using a semi-rigid method of design may be a better approximation to the actual behaviour. Attention is focussed on the moment rotation characteristics as this is the most important influence on the response of either individual members or complete frames.