Assessment of steel moment end plate connections under blast loading

Abstract This study investigates the performance of steel frame connections subjected to blast loading using finite element analysis. The yield line theory was employed to design the connection end plate, and nine different connection configurations were created by modifying the base model. These configurations explored variations in end plate thickness, bolt diameter, and the presence of stiffeners, and doubling plates. The performance of each connection was evaluated based on failure modes, energy absorption patterns, and maximum frame displacement. The results revealed a brittle failure mode in the base model with bolt shearing and end plate rupture. Increasing the end plate thickness prevented end plate failure but resulted in bolt yielding. Implementing stiffeners improved energy absorption but caused undesirable stress concentrations in the column. Doubling plates effectively enhanced energy absorption in both the beam and column while mitigating bolt failures. Models 7 and 9 exhibited distinct energy absorption patterns compared to other models.