Experimental evaluation of extended endplate beam-to-column joints subjected to bending and axial force

Abstract

Steel beam-to-column joints are often subjected to a combination of bending moment and axial force. Current specifications for steel joints do not take into account the presence of axial forces (tension and/or compression) in the joints. A single empirical limitation of 5% of the beam's plastic axial capacity is the only enforced provision in Eurocode 3--Part 1.8. The objective of the present paper is to describe an experimental program carried out at the University of Coimbra on extended endplate beam-to-column joints to try to extend the component method philosophy to the combined action of bending moment and axial force. To fulfil this objective, a set of seven extended beam-to-column joints were tested. This paper provides a detailed description of this experimental programme focusing on the moment-rotation curves and individual component assessment. Finally, it reveals that the presence of an axial force on the beam significantly modifies the joint response.