Modelling of column base plate connections with plate stiffeners and non‐proportional loading

Abstract

Column base plate connections are used widely. Their design is currently codified by Eurocode 3, though with explicit consideration of only base plates without stiffeners and subjected to a proportional loading path. However, both new and existing steel structures might have stiffened base plates. Besides, there might be the need for analyzing the connection response for a non‐proportional loading path (e.g., increasing seismic loads and constant gravity loads). Therefore, the paper provides a contribution into the development of an analytical model for predicting the response of stiffened base plate connections subjected to a non‐proportional loading path. The paper deals with calculation of the connection rotational stiffness and moment resistance. The objective is pursued through finite element modelling and analysis. Then, the application of a proposed analytical model is shown and a comparison with the finite element analysis results is illustrated and discussed.