Behaviour of composite beam-column flush end-plate connections subjected to low-probability, high-consequence loading

This paper aims to investigate the performance of beam-column flush end-plate connections when using blind bolts. The paper studies the strength on medium rise buildings in regions of medium to high seismicity. This paper presents the result of both experiments and finite element analysis on composite beam-column flush end-plate connections subjected to low-probability, high-consequence loading. The earthquake actions were determined using the earthquake code, AS1170.4, Standard Australia (2004) [44]. Considerable savings were apparent when moving from a pinned connection to a semi-rigid connection. Not only in terms of weight savings, but more importantly the ability to reduce the floor-to-floor heights, which can considerably reduce the cost of services and facades and subsequently mass and inertia of the structure. This can also result in more lettable floor space due to reduced column sizes and the possibility of adding another floor for the same total height compared with the pinned connection. The experimental studies and finite element analysis enables improvement to the design of the connections to be used in engineering practice.