Modelling M-φ curves for standard beam-to-column connections

A 3-parameter exponential model to describe the non-linear M-phi relationship of flexible beam-to-column connections is proposed. The model only requires a determination of the parameters M-o, K-i, and K-p generated from a connection's dimensional details and material strength properties. Employing simplified connection behavioural models to approximate beam-to-column connection behaviour and from kinematic and equilibrium considerations, analytical expressions for evaluating the model parameters K-i and K-p are derived for standard beam-to-column connections; an empirical expression for evaluating the M-o-parameter is developed. The connection M-phi behaviour predicted by the model is compared with published connection test results and it is concluded that the model yields results in good agreement with actual connection test behaviour. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.