Proposal of a simplified analytical approach for the characterisation of the end-plate component in circular tube connection

• The component “end-plate in bending” met in tubular construction is investigated.
• Analytical formulas for the prediction of the strength of this component are proposed.
• These formulas are validated through comparisons to experimental and FEM results.
• How these formulas can be used to predict the connection strength is described.
• It is shown how they can be used to predict the bolt tensile loads in column bases

This paper presents a study realised at Liège University on the behaviour of the rectangular end-plate in bending and the bolt in tension components met in circular tube-to- circular tube connections and in circular tubular column bases. Analytical formulas for the mentioned components are firstly proposed considering different yield line patterns for the end-plate. Then the results predicted through the proposed analytical approach are validated through comparisons to experimental and finite element results. Finally, the application of the proposed approach for the prediction of the strength of tube-to-tube joints and also for the prediction of the bolt force of column bases is demonstrated.