Behaviour of flush end plate joints to concrete-filled steel tubular columns

This paper presents the results of an experimental program for bolted moment connection joints of circular or square concrete filled steel tubular (CFST) columns, and H-shaped steel beams using high-strength blind bolts. In order to investigate the static performance and failure modes of the blind bolted connection, an experimental program was conducted involving four sub-assemblages of cruciform beam-to-column joints subjected to monotonic loading. Moment–rotation relationships of the tested connections were obtained and their performance was evaluated in terms of their stiffness, moment capacities and ductility. The test parameters varied were the column section type and the thickness of the end plate. The results showed that the proposed blind bolted connection, which behaves in a semi-rigid and partial strength manner according to the EC3 specification, displays reasonable strength and stiffness. The rotation capacity of this type of connection to square or circular CFST columns exceeds 70 mrad and this satisfies the ductility requirements for earthquake-resistance in most aseismic regions. The blind bolted connection is shown to be a reliable and effective solution for moment-resisting composite frame structures.