Dynamic response of hollow section frames with bolted moment connections

The behaviour of moment-resisting steel frames under various types of loads is dependent on the type of beam-to-column connections and their flexibilities. The extended end-plate connection is a practical field bolted moment connection that can be adopted in moment-resisting steel frames with hollow structural steel (HSS) columns, by using high strength blind bolts. The objective of this work was to study the behaviour of blind bolted extended end-plate connections for HSS columns under cyclic loading. With proper detailing and modelling of such connections, it has been possible to investigate the effect of joint flexibility on the response of the frame when subjected to dynamic loading and then to compare its response to that of a rigid frame. It is concluded that the proposed bolted joint behaves in a predictable manner that can be modelled and analysed using standard frame analysis programmes. The study also showed that the inclusion of the connection flexibility in frame analysis is essential to obtain a more realistic frame behaviour.