Many-row flush bolted end plate moment connection (PEMB)

[jittles]

Hi all, does anybody have a design reference for a connection that looks like the one below?

AISC Design Guide 16, flush multiple row end plate moment connections does not cover anything beyond a group of 4 bolts.

I'm wondering if I need to explore and extrapolate the yield lines, etc from that design guide, or if there is another reference/guide out there that covers a similar connection with a whole lot more rows of bolts.

Many thanks.

 

[Agent666]

Based on Eurocode, but similar concepts, you could try SCI P398 as you can string together any scenario you could think of.

 

[human909]

I'd be a little concerned about the thinness of those end plates. Both due prying effects on bolts and the ability to transfer the loads from the tension flange.

Also given the bolting location it seem that the connection is significantly weaker and less stiff than the member. This is potentially an issue given it presumably is at the point of maximum moment.

 

[jittles]

Agent666, thanks for the link - I glanced through the document and it sure looks promising.

human909, your observations are spot on, and this particular connection is in fact at mid-span of a rigid frame. Those metal building guys apparently want no part in designing a connection to develop the strength of the members it connects...

This is being evaluated for purposes of an ASCE 41 seismic evaluation, and the stiffness of this connection can come into play in the analysis. It's classified as a Partially Restrained moment frame under that standard, due to the thinness of the end plates in these connections. Prying effects are also considered under the AISC DG 16 methodology.