Analysis of Extended End-Plate Connections Under Cyclic Loading Using the LS-DYNA Implicit Solver

Moment-Resisting Frames (MRF’s) are widely used as lateral-force resisting systems in buildings. Their successful performance depends on the behavior of their moment-resisting beam-column connections. In regions at risk for earthquakes, MRF’s need to resist large cyclic forces and displacements. A variety of beam-column connections are used in practice. Most, including end plate connections, are designed assuming the MRF seismic capacity is based on the ability of the connection to allow inelastic rotation through the development of plastic hinges within the beam elements of the structure. In this paper, Finite Element (FE) computer analysis is used to simulate the behavior of the joint region of an MRF. A computer model of the MRF’s extended end plate beam-column connection was created and its performance was analyzed under cyclic loading condition. The LS-DYNA implicit solver was used in this study. Results from these simulations were compared to previously conducted physical tests. The results show good correlation with the measured test data. The work demonstrates the ability of LS-DYNA to simulate the cyclic behavior of this type of beam-column connection and is a step toward using physically calibrated computational model to complement physical testing for the future evaluation of this type of structural detail.