Evaluation of Stiffened End-Plate Moment Connection through Optimized Artificial Neural Network
- 1 School of Civil Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
- 2 School of Civil Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
This study involves the development of an analytical model for understanding the behavior of the extended, stiffened end-plate moment connections with eight high strength bolts. Modeling of the connection as an assemblage of finite elements (FE) used for load deformation analysis, with material, and contact nonlinearities are developed. Results from the FE mathematical model are verified with results from the ANSYS computer program as well as with the test results. Sensitivity and feasibility studies are carried out. Significant geometry and force related variables are introduced; and by varying the geometric variables of the connections within a practical range, a matrix of test cases is obtained. Maximum end-plate separation, maximum bending stresses in the end-plate, and the forces from the connection bolts for these test cases are obtained. From the FE analysis, a database is produced to collect results for the artificial neural network analysis. Finally, salient features of the optimized Artificial Neural Network (ANN) via Genetic Algorithm (GA) analysis are introduced and implemented with the aim of predicting the overall behavior of the connection.
- N. Krishnamurthy, “Analytical Investigation of Bolted Stiffened Tee Stubs,” Report No. CE-MBMA-1902, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, 1978.
- Adelaide Indoor Sports Centre, “Manual of Steel Construction,” 8th Edition, American Institute of Steel Construction, Chicago, 1980.
- N. Krishnamurthy, “Fresh Look at Bolted End-Plate Behavior and Design,” Engineering Journal, Vol. 15, No. 2, 1978, pp. 39-49.
- M. Ghassemieh, A. R. Kukreti and T. M. Murray, “Inelastic Finite Element Analysis of Stiffened End-Plate Moment Connections,” Research Report No. FSEL/AISC 83-02, University of Oklahoma, Norman, 1983.
- T. M. Murray and A. R. Kukreti, “Design of 8-Bolt Stiffened Moment End-plates,” Engineering Journal, Vol. 25, No. 2, 1988, pp. 45-52.
- Adelaide Indoor Sports Centre, “Manual of steel construction,” 9th Edition, American Institute of Steel Construction, Chicago, 1989.
- A. R. Kukreti, T. M. Murray and M. Ghassemieh, “Behavior and Design of Large Capacity Moment End-plates,” Structural Engineering, Vol. 116, No. 3, 1990, pp. 809-828. doi:10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9445(1990)116:3(809)
- M. R. Bahaari and A. N. Sherbourne, “Structural Behavior of End-Plate Bolted Connections to Stiffened Columns,” Structural Engineering, Vol. 122, No. 8, 1996, pp. 926-935. doi:10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9445(1996)122:8(926)
- E. Sumner, “Unified Design of Extended End-Plate Moment Connections Subject to Cyclic Loading,” Ph.D. Dissertation, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, 2003.
- S. Gang, S. Yongjiu, W. Yuanqing, L. Shafu and C. Hong, “Finite Element Analysis and Tests on Bolted End-Plate Connections in Steel Portal Frames,” Advances in Structural Engineering, Vol. 7, No. 3, 2004, pp. 245-256. doi:10.1260/136943304323213193
- S. Yongjiu, S. Gang and W. Yuanqing, “Experimental and Theoretical Analysis of the Moment—Rotation Behavior of Stiffened Extended End-Plate Connections,” Journal of Constructional Steel research, Vol. 63, No. 9, 2007, pp. 1279-1293. doi:10.1016/j.jcsr.2006.11.008
- R. Srouji, A. R. Kukreti and T. M. Murray, “Strength of Two Tension Bolt Flush End-Plate Connections,” Research Report No. FSEL/MBMA 83-03, University of Oklahoma, Norman, 1983.
- B. Bose, Z. M. Wang and S. Sarkar, “Finite Element Analysis of Unstiffened Flush End-Plate Bolted Joints,” Structural Engineering, Vol. 123, No. 12, 1997, pp. 1614-1621. doi:10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9445(1997)123:12(1614)