Research on end-plate connection with non-completely penetrated welds

A series of tests were executed for H-shaped beams whose flanges were connected to end-plate by non-completely penetrated welds. The welds were designed by equal capacity rule and the beams were mainly composed of non-compact or slender elements. The parameters introduced are width–thickness ratios of beam flange and web, end-plate thickness, angle between flange plane and end-plate plane and so on. 24 pieces of specimens were tested to failure under monotonic loading and 6 under cyclic loading. For comparison, a few of the specimens are those with completely penetrated groove welds. Finite element (FE) analysis was also carried out to study the effect of parameter change on the resistance of the welds. The parameters involved end-plate thickness, weld size, column flange thickness and bolt gauge. The results show that thinner end-plate and greater bolt gauge will deteriorate the resistance of weld. As long as the components are properly designed, as done in tests, the connections will not fail at the welds no matter what kind of weld form is adopted. In addition, weld form has no obvious effect on the ultimate loads and cyclic behavior of specimens. It is confirmed that the non-completely penetrated welds connecting flanges of H-shaped beams and end-plates can be used both under static loading and seismic loading in low-rise building structure where local buckling of the member is the predominant factor.