2D and 3D Numerical Modelling of Exposed Steel Base Plate Connections under Cyclic Loading

Abstract

The degree of fixity at the base of steel gravity columns with exposed base plate connections is often assumed in analysis and design. However, past experiments have shown these connections do provide lateral stiffness and strength that could contribute to the load carrying capacity of a structure. The goal of this study is to develop a numerical modelling approach for exposed steel base plate connections that can capture their nonlinear cyclic behaviour, including their stiffness, strength, and energy dissipation capacity. Two modelling approaches are proposed, one that is suitable for detailed study of connection behaviour and another comparatively simple approach that can be used in nonlinear time-history analysis of a structure. Results from the two methodologies are compared with experimental data from the literature and the results show that both approaches can capture the nonlinear cyclic response of the studied connections. Limitations of the proposed modelling approach are also discussed.