Design of Welded Steel Beam-to-Column Connections with a T-Stiffener

摘要

Welded beam-to-column connection with T-stiffener is particularly useful in Multistorey buildings where beams are framed to column web to support lateral loads. The finite element analysis of such connections showed that the conventional design method underestimated the moment portion supported by the T-stiffener flange and under-designed the T-stiffener plates and welds such that the connection allowable moment capacity was limited to 43% of the beam allowable moment as per the allowable stresses stipulated by the Egyptian Code of Practice, ECP, 2001. Based on a comprehensive parametric analysis conducted in a previous research work, the effective connection parameters controlling moment and stress distribution were defined. In this work, a finite element analysis incorporating material and geometric non-linearties was conducted to determine the recommended design values for the effective connection parameters such that the connection can support 85% of the beam allowable moment capacity. Such limiting moment value was set to suit the moment capacity of the fillet weld connecting the T-stiffener and the beam. A set of design equations was established based on simple mathematical models and finite element results. Such equations are proposed for the design of the connection and for the description of stress patterns in plates and welds and moment distribution among the connection components.