STEEL AND MIXED STRUCTURES

MASTER IN CIVIL ENGINEERING- BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS

The content of this publication represents the views of the author only and is his/her sole responsibility. The European
Commission and the Agency do not accept any responsibility for use that may be made of yhe information it contains.
Grant Agreement Number: 101004068..-
 7. COMPONENT METHOD

7.1 Connection design

7.2. Resistance
7.3. Stiffness

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 7.1 Connection Design

EC 3:
Effects of connection behavior on stress and strain distribution must
be taken into account (neglected when small enough).

Connection Design
❑ Pinned: does not transmit bending moments;
❑ Rigid: behavior of the connection with no effect on analysis;
❑ Semi-rigid: behavior of the connection with effect on analysis.
 Classification by means connection stiffness

Mj Mj Mj

S j infinite Sj = 0 S j = Mj / F

F F F

F
M

Rigid Pinned Semi-rigid Rígid

( F j = 0, M j = 0)
Pinned Semi-rigid
( M j = 0, F j = 0 ) ( M j = 0, F j = 0 )
Mj
1
2

Sj,ini
3
F
Classification by means connection stiffness

0,5EI
S  b
Pinned: j,ini L
b
(zona 3)
8EI Frames with bracing that reduce horizontal
S  b
j,ini L displacement by at least 80%
Rigid: b
25EI For others frames, for all floors:
(zona 1) S  b
j,ini L Kb/Kc≥0,1 (if < 0.1, connections is semi-rigid)
b

Semi-rigid: Sj,ini between the previous limits.

(zona 2)
Kb= Ib/Lb
Kc= Ic/Lc
c- column
b- beam
 Classification by means connection strength

Mj
Full-strength
Resistant bending moment
of adjacent elements
Parcial-strength
Mj,Rd

Pinned F
Resistant bending moment of the
connection
 Classification by means connection strength

Pinned: Mj,Rd ≤ 0,25 M full-strength

Full-strength: Mj,Rd > 0,25 M full-strength

Column top: Mj,Ed
M full-strength = min ( Mb,pl,Rd , Mc,pl,Rd )
Mb,pl,Rd : beam plastic moment
Mc,pl,Rd : column plastic moment
Half column height :
M full-strength = min ( Mb,pl,Rd , 2 Mc,pl,Rd ) Mj,Ed

Partial-strength: Outside the previous limits

 Connection classification according EC3

Resistance
Stiffness
Full-strength Partial-strength Pinned
Rigid Continuous Semi-continuous *No meaning
Semi-rigid Semi-continuous Semi-continuous *No meaning
Pinned *No meaning *No meaning Simple
➢Pinned:
➢Semi-rigid: spring
➢fixed: Spring with stiffness and strength infinite

Pinned Fixed Semi-rigid

 Idealization for connection behavior
Mj Mj

Mj,Rd Mj,Rd

real curve M-f

2/3 Mj,Rd
idealization

Sj,ini Sj,ini/h

f f

If Mj,Ed≤2/3 Mj,Rd Fictitious value, valid for Mj,Ed≤ Mj,Rd

Elastic analysis Plastic analysis

 Values of h

Type of connection Beam-column Others types of

connection connections

Welded 2 3

Bolted with end plate 2 3

Bolted with web angles 2 3,5

Rigid –plastic analysis
Idealization of non-linear behavior for elastic-plastic analysis
Rotation capacity- EC 3
 Approach
➢ Experimental
➢ Ajuste de curvas
➢ Analítical
➢ Numerical methods: Finite Element Method
➢ Simplified analytical methods:

COMPONENT METHOD

Simple mechanical models (rigid bars and axially deformable springs) to evaluate the behavior
of the connection (moment-rotation curve). Each connection (spring) represents a part of the
connection where a certain loading, characterized by the force-displacement curvature, the
analytical, experimental or numerical component mode.
 Component Method
Component Method

Three steps
F

Methodology of Component Method

M=Fz

1º step: Shear of column Compression of column web Tension of column

web web
Component
identification

F F F
2º step
Component FRd1 FRd2 FRd3
response Ek 1 Ek 2 Ek 3
1 1 1
Stiffness coeficient of each
i component
Strength of each component

3º step: M
Connection assembly
M Rd

Sj,ini
f

j,ini = Ez²/  k i
Connection stiffness S
Connection strength M Rd = min(FRdi ).z
Component assembly
End plate Extended plate Bracket Angles
 Component Method

Connection components according EC3

 7.2 Design Strength of the Componentss

6.2.6.1- Column web panel in shear

 7.2 Design Strength of the Components
V Ed

6.2.6.1- Column web panel in shear

V Ed
Design Shear Force
(valid for d/tw≤69e)
Vwp , Rd = 0,9 f y , wc Avc / 3 M 0  Vwp , Ed

Avcshear area of the column

fy,wc: yield stress of column web (wc) panel in shear

Vwp , Ed = ( M b1, Ed − M b 2, Ed ) / z − (Vc1, Ed − Vc 2, Ed ) / 2

Z : lever arm (6.2.7)
Stiffening of the web panel (in shear)
6.2.6.2- Column web panel in transverse compression F c.Ed

Interaction with shear Stiffening of the web panel

(in compression)
6.2.6.2- Column web panel in transverse compression F c.Ed

Compression Desgn Force

.kwcbeff ,c , wc twc f y , wc
Fc , wc , Rd =
 m0
.kwc  beff ,c , wc twc f y , wc
Fc , wc , Rd 
 m1

ω – reduction factor for interaction with shear in column web panel

 b wp
V V
wp M=F.h wp F
1
V = b .F V
wp V wp
wp b wp
F
2
b Transformation parameter
Values of ω
 beff,c,wc: effective width of column web in compression

Welded connection:

Bolted connection with end plate:

Bolted connection with angle section:

sp: is the length obtained by dispersion at 45° through the end-

I and H hot-holled sections: plate, provided that the length of end-plate below the flange is
I e H welded sections: sufficient (tpto 2tp)

I and H hot-holled
sections:
I e H welded sections:
kwc : – reduction factor (em general=1)
scom,Ed ≤ 0,7 fy,wc ; kwc=1
scom,Ed >0,7 fy,wc ; kwc=1,7-scom,Ed/fy,wc
k
wc
Maximum logitudinal
1,75
compression stress

scom,Ed

scom,Ed
Zona de compressão
0,7 f f
ywc ywc
 elevação

Coluna laminada

Coluna soldada
6.2.6.3- Column web panel in transverse tension F
t.Ed

Stiffening of the web panel (in tension)

Component “interacts” with others, namely, column flange in transverse bending

Failure can developed individually or in group : Different combination of resistance

have to be computed
6.2.6.3- Column web panel in transverse tension

𝜔𝑏𝑒𝑓𝑓,𝑡,𝑤𝑐 𝑡𝑤𝑐 𝑓𝑦,𝑤𝑐

𝐹𝑡,𝑤𝑐,𝑅𝑑 =
𝛾𝑀0

Possible failure modes → 4 resistance to be determined

❑ Per bolt row (Individual )
❑ Rows 1 and 2 (Group 1)
❑ Rows 1, 2 and 3 (Group 2)
❑ Rows 2 and 3 (Group 3)
T-Stub model

Tension force
 Connection components according to EC 3

T-Stub Equivalent Model

Short element (“stub”)

 T-Stub Equivalent Model

It is a semi-empirical formulation that

provides the T-stub length that must
produce the failure line development
for bolt lines or group of bolt lines.
T-Stub Equivalent Model The static equilibrium is governed by the plastic
deformations in the flanges and/or tensile failure of bolts

Thin plate,
strong bolt

Effective length of end

plate to bending plate
Mode 1: flange yield
thickness
plate yield
stress

leff t 2 f y
M pl = Mode 2: flange
4 MO yield e bolt
colapse

Thick plate,
weak bolt

Mode 3: bolt colapse

Mode 1 and 2 are replaced by a
single mode → 2 plastic hinges

Mode 1-2
Flange yielding
 Equivalent T-Stub in Tension

Yield lines → Yield patterns

For Mode 1 and Mode 1-2,

Min between CP and NC governs
the resistance

CP NC

Possible when prying forces do not Possible in all cases where

have an influence → Mode 1 or yield occurs → Mode 1,
Mode 1-2 Mode 2 and Mode 1-2
 Equivalent T-Stub in Tension
Equivalent T-Stub in Tension
Group effects
 Effective length for reinforced plate

leff = a m1
 T-Stub Equivalent Model

Effective length for 2 bolt line

 T-Stub Equivalent Model
Praying forces at plate edges ( Q): affects bending moments

EC 3: occurs when Lb≤Lb*

Lb: elongation in bolt length = tightening
length (thickness of plate and washer plus half
the sum of bolt head height and nut height)

8,8m3 As
Lb =
*

 leff ,1t f 3
leff ,1 : leff in mode 1
leff ,2 : leff in mode 2
T-stub is applicable: column flange bending, end plate bending, web angle bending.

leff

The computation of leff (→ Σleff) depends on the component under analysis, on the yield
pattern and on bolt-rows as individual or as group.
 EC 3- 1.8: T-Stub Equivalent Model in tension

2 M pl1, Rd
❑Without prying forces (Modes 1 and 2): FT ,1− 2, Rd =
m
❑With prying forces (Mode 1)
Resistant tension force from T-stub flange
1,2,3: collapse modes
➢Without flange stiffner plate

4 M pl1, Rd
❖Method 1 FT ,1, Rd =
m
(8n − 2ew ) M pl1, Rd
❖ Method 2 FT ,1, Rd =
(alternative) 2mn − ew (m + n)
 EC 3- 1.8: T-Stub Equivalent Model in tension

❑With prying forces (Mode 1)

➢With flange plate stiffners

4 M pl1, Rd + 2 M bp , Rd
❖ Method 1 FT ,1, Rd =
m

❖ Method 2 (8n − 2ew ) M pl1, Rd + 4nM bp , Rd

FT ,1, Rd =
(alternative) 2mn − ew (m + n)
EC 3- 1.8: T-Stub Equivalent Model in tension

❑With prying forces(Mode 2)

2M pl 2, Rd + n Ft , Rd
FT ,2, Rd =
m+n

❑ Mode 3

FT ,3, Rd =  Ft , Rd
EC 3- 1.8: T-Stub Equivalent Model in tension

Auxiliary variables :
0, 25 leff ,1t f 2 f y tbp , fy,bp : column flange stiffner plate
M pl ,1, Rd = thickness and yield strength ew : dw/4
M0
dw : washer diameter
0, 25 leff ,2t f 2 f y n= emin≤1,25m
M pl ,2, Rd =
M0 Q : prying force

0, 25 leff ,1tbp 2 f y ,bp

M bp , Rd =
M0
EC 3- 1.8: T-Stub Equivalent Model in tension

Bolt row group:

➢ split the group into separate lines using the equivalent T-stub model for each line.
➢ strength on each line in the group ≤ strength on an independent line.

Column flange stiffner plates:

➢ It must go at least to the edge of the flange
➢Deve ir no mínimo ao bordo do banzo.
Stiffner plate
 Ft,Ed

6.2.6.4- Column flange in transverse bending

Strength calculated according to the equivalent T-stub model under tension (already seen)

Calculation of leff and dealing without stiffeners

 Ft,Ed

6.2.6.4- Column flange in transverse bending

Strength calculated according to the equivalent T-stub model under tension (already seen)

Calculation of leff and dealing with stiffeners

Stiffeners “separate” T-Stubs, and these should be handled separately
Método das Componentes
End plate narrower than column
flange

End plate wider than column

flange

Beam web angle

section
 For welded connection

beff ,b , fc t fb f y , fb
Ffc , Rd =
M0

Decreased beam flange width due to welding (already seen)

b- beam
 Ft,Ed

6.2.6.5- End-plate in bending

Strength calculated according to the equivalent T-stub model under tension (already seen)

Failure can developed individually or in group →

Different combination of resistance have to be computed
Calculation of leff and dealing with stiffeners
The end plate extension and the part between the beam flanges are modeled as 2 separate equivalent
T-stubs

1º T-Stub leff

leff leff

emin=ex

2º T-Stub

a: figure 6.11 EC 3 -1-8

 Ft,Ed

6.2.6.6- Angle flange to bending

Strength calculated according to the equivalent T-stub model under tension (already seen)

The number of bolt connecting the angle to the column flange is limited to one.
The number of bolt lines connecting the angle to the beam flange is not limited.
leff leff leff
 6.2.6.7- Flange and web of the beam in compression Fc,Ed

Calculation resistent compressive stress of the flange and adjacent regions of the beam web

Fc , fb , Rd = M c , Rd / (h − t fb ) Reinforcement

h: connected beam height

tfb: web flange thickness connected with the shear
Mc, Rd: resistant moment of the beam
 FT,Ed
6.2.6.8- Beam web in tension

Bolted connection with end plate

Resistant tensile force

beff ,t , wbtwb f y , wb
Ft , wb , Rd =
M0 Similar to column web in transverse tension

effective width of tensioned web = effective length of equivalent

T-stub model of end plate in bending.

❑ Component “interacts” with others, namely End-plate in bending

❑ Failure can developed individually or in group → Different combination of
resistance have to be computed
 Joint assembly
Resistant Moment of Connection Calculation
6.2.7.1- General case
M j , Ed
1
M j , Rd

If NEd > 0,05 Npl,Rd in connected beam,:

M j , Ed N j , Ed
+ 1
M j , Rd N j , Rd

Mj, Rd: resistive moment of beam calculation, assuming no axial force

Nj, Rd: resistive normal force of beam calculation, assuming no applied moment
 65

“Simpler” cases
Welded Connections, Angle Cleat connections, 1 Bolt-row in tension, Extended End-plate with 2 bolt-
rows in tension
 Force distribution, center of compression and lever arm

❑ Center of compression = centre of flange under compression of the

connected member (beam)
❑ Determination of forces per bolt-row starts from top to bottom (from
1 tension to compression side)
2 ❑ When determining the design tension resistance of a bolt-row, lower rows
… are ignored
❑ Design tension resistance of bolt-rows are based on individual resistances,
such as: Column web in tension; Column flange in bending; End-plate in
bending; Beam web in tension
❑ Design tension resistance of bolt-rows (FT,Rd,i) may be reduced due to group
effects, possible in: Column web in tension; Column flange in bending;
End-plate in bending; Beam web in tension
❑ The ΣFT,Rd,i limited by, Column shear panel and compression zone (column
web in compression and Beam flange and web in compression)
❑ Lack of ductility reduces the load capacity as no redistribution of forces is
possible
 Force distribution, center of compression and lever arm

Ductility: Sufficient deformation capacity to allow plastic distribution of forces.

1 If 𝐹𝑇,𝑅𝑑,𝑖 ≤ 1,9𝐹𝑡,𝑅𝑑
2
…
Yes for all tension bolt-rows → Plastic distribution of forces
No for any tension bolt-rows → Elasto-plastic distribution of forces

Ft,Rd – tension resistance of the bolt (Mode 3 of T-stub)

In case No, for bolt-row r, distribution of forces for remaining bolt-rows may be reduce
ℎ𝑖
𝐹𝑇,𝑅𝑑,𝑖 ≤ 𝐹𝑅,𝑅𝑑,𝑟
ℎ𝑟

hr and hi – distances from bolt-rows to the centre of compression

6.2.7.2- Design bending moment

M j , Rd =  hr Ftr , Rd
r
Ftr,Rd: tensile strength calculation of bolt row r
hr: distance from bolt row r to center of compression
r : nº of the bolt line
Design to shear load (V)

▪ Welds transfer shear from beam to end-plate or column flange (in the case
of welded connections)

▪ In the case bolt-rows in combined tension and shear → Interaction must be

checked (remember module on simple connections)
𝐹𝑣,𝐸𝑑 𝐹𝑡,𝐸𝑑
+ ≤ 1.0
𝐹𝑣,𝑅𝑑 1.4𝐹𝑡,𝑅𝑑
▪ Simplified approach (no interaction required):
1. Bolt-rows not loaded in tension can resist V
2. Shear load on bolt-rows under combined tension and shear < (0.4/1.4)
V
Principles of the component method also applicable
3.6- Bolts in Shear

𝛼𝑣 𝑓𝑢𝑏 𝐴𝑠
𝐹𝑣,𝑅𝑑 =
𝛾𝑀2

3.6- Bolts in bearing

𝑘1 𝛼𝑏 𝑓𝑢 𝑑𝑡
𝐹𝑏,𝑅𝑑 =
𝛾𝑀2
 7.3 Stiffness connection

The component method establishes that the torsional stiffness of the

connection is obtained through the stiffness of each component.(ki)

Force-strain equation of a spring :

Fi = ki .E . i

Fi spring force;
ki stiffness resitente of component i;
E Elasticity modulus;
i spring deformationi.
Ductility
Class 1 joints: Mj,Rd is reached by full plastic redistribution of the internal forces within the joints and a
sufficiently good rotation capacity is available to allow, without specific restrictions, a plastic frame
analysis and design to be performed, if required

Class 2 joints: Mj,Rd is reached by full plastic redistribution of the internal forces within the joints but the
rotation capacity is limited. An elastic frame analysis possibly combined with a plastic verification of the
joints has to be performed. A plastic frame analysis is also allowed as long as it does not result in a too high
required rotation capacity in the joints where hinges are likely to occur. The available and required rotation
capacities have therefore to be compared before validating the analysis

Class 3 joints: brittle failure (or instability) limits the moment resistance and does not allow a full
redistribution of the internal forces in the joints. It is compulsory to perform an elastic verification of the
joints.

As the moment design resistance Mj,Rd is known whatever the collapse mode and the resistance
level, no Class 4 has to be defined as it is done for member sections.
In Eurocode 3, the procedure given for the evaluation of the design moment resistance of any joint provides
the designer with other information such as:

- the collapse mode;

- the internal forces in the joint at collapse.

Through this procedure, the designer knows directly whether the full plastic redistribution of the forces
within the joint has been reached – the joint is then Class 1 or 2 - or not - the joint is then classified as Class 3.

For Class 1 or 2 joints, the knowledge of the collapse mode, and more especially of the component leading to
collapse, gives an indication about whether there is adequate rotation capacity for a global plastic analysis to
be permitted.
 Joint idealisation

Elastic idealisation for an elastic analysis

This idealisation is aimed at “replacing” the actual non-linear response of the joint by an
“equivalent” constant one; it is valid for MEd values less than or equal to Mj,Rd .
Component characterisation
Component characterisation
Component characterisation
EC3-1.8
 1. Column web panel in shear

a) Stiffness

shear area of the column web

lever arm of the resultant tensile and compressive forces in the connection
transformation parameter

For a column web panel with appropriate diagonal

stiffeners:

b) Deformation capacity

Plastic redistribution between the components requiring ductility form the shear panel may
therefore be accommodated without any risk.
 2. Column web in transverse compression

a) Stiffness

effective width of column web under transverse compression (same of resistance)

thickness of the column web

clear depth of the column web

For a column web with an appropriate transverse

stiffener:
b) Deformation capacity

Little practical information is unfortunately available nowadays on the plastic deformation capacity of
the column web in transverse compression.
 3. Column web in transverse tension

a) Stiffness

Effective width of column web under transverse tension (same of

resistance)

For a column web with an appropriate transverse

stiffener:

b) Deformation capacity

Significant ductility in tension may be expected from normalized steels and so no limitation in plastic
deformation capacity may be assumed from this component.
 4. Column flange in transverse bending

a) Stiffness

tfc thickness of the column flange

m defined in the Figures of the tables in the next slide

In a bolted connection, this expression has to be applied at the level of individual bolt-rows and of groups of
bolt-rows in tension and ℓeff (effective length) should be taken as equal, for each bolt-row (whether it is
considered individually or as part of a group), to the smallest of the possible effective lengths (individually or as
part of a group of bolt-rows)

For a welded connection, unstiffened or stiffened with appropriate transverse

stiffeners:
 b) Deformation capacity

In bolted connections, significant ductility may be assumed for the column flange in transverse bending if
yielding of the flange will be the governing failure. It may be assumed that this component has even
sufficient rotation capacity for a plastic analysis, if the design resistance of the joint is governed by the
resistance of the column flange intransverse bending and the thickness tfc of the column flange satisfy the
following condition:

d bolt diameter;
fub ultimate tensile strength of the bolts;
fy,fc yield strength of the column flange.
 5. End-plate in bending

a) Stiffness

tp thickness of the end-plate

b) Deformation capacity

For the component end-plate in bending, significant ductility may be assumed if yielding of the end-plate will
be the governing failure. It may be assumed that an end-plate in bending has even sufficient rotation capacity
for a plastic analysis, if the design resistance of the joint is governed by the resistance of the end-plate in
bending and the thickness tp of end-plate satisfy the following condition:

fy,p yield strength of the end-plate

 6. Flange cleat in bending

a) Stiffness

ℓeff = 0.5ba;
ba length of the angle cleat
ta thickness of the angle cleat
m defined in the Figure

b) Deformation capacity
For the component flange cleat in bending, significant ductility may be assumed if yielding of the angle cleat will
be the governing failure. It may be assumed that this component has even sufficient rotation capacity for a
plastic analysis, if the design resistance of the joint is governed by the resistance of the flange cleat in bending
and the thickness of the angle cleat ta satisfy the following condition:
fy,a yield strength of the angle cleat.
 7. Beam or column flange and web in
compression

a) Stiffness

b) Deformation capacity

The ductility of this component may be estimated through the definition of the beam cross
section class which has to be achieved to define the value of Mc,Rd

Mc,Rd is the design bending moment resistance of the beam reduced, if necessary, by the presence of
a shear force; this moment takes into account the risk of plate buckling in the compressed part of
the web or in the flange (EC 3-1.1)
 8. Beam web in tension

a) Stiffness

b) Deformation capacity

Significant ductility in tension may be here again expected from normalised steels and so no
limitation in plastic deformation capacity may be assumed from this component.
 9. Plate in tension or compression

a) Stiffness

The stiffness coefficient k9 is assumed to be

infinite

b) Deformation capacity

The ductile behaviour of a plate in tension or compression may only result from the
yielding of the cross section.
 10. Bolts in tension

a) Stiffness

d A As
(mm) (mm2) (mm2)

As tensile stress area of the bolt

Lb bolt elongation length, taken as equal to the grip length 8 50,3 36,6
10 78,5 58,0
(total thickness of materials and washers) plus half the sum 12 113 84,3
of the height of the bolt head and the height of the nut. 14 154 115
16 201 157
18 254 192
20 314 245
Lb 22 380 303
24 452 353
27 573 459
b) Deformation capacity 30 707 561

To rely on the ductility of bolts in tension is definitively not acceptable. Even if not strictly forbidden, the design of joints
which would reach their design resistance through bolt failure should never be recommended. Moreover, this failure mode is
prohibited as soon as the user wants to profit from plasticity. Part 1-8 limits practically the potential risk of brittle failure
through various clauses.
 11. Bolts in shear

a) Stiffness

for non-preloaded bolts:

for preloaded bolts:

nb , d , fub and dM16 designate respectively the number of bolt-rows, the bolt diameter, the ultimate bolt
strength and the nominal diameter of a M16 bolt.

b) Deformation capacity

The ductility of a bolt in shear is quite limited and has therefore not to be relied on.
 12. Bolts in bearing (on beam flange, column flange, end-plate or cleat)

a) Stiffness

for non-preloaded bolts

for preloaded bolts

nb , d and fu are respectively the number of bolt-rows, the bolt diameter and the ultimate strength of the
plate material. kb and kt depend on the connection detailing (see EN 1993-1-8).

eb distance from the bolt-row to the free edge of the plate in the
direction of load transfer
fu ultimate tensile strength of the steel on which the bolt bears
pb spacing of the bolt-rows in the direction of load transfer
tj thickness of that component
 b) Deformation capacity

The bearing deformation may be assumed to be quite ductile.

 13. Concrete in compression including grout

a) Stiffness

beff and ℓeff are the effective width and length of the T-stub flange.

b) Deformation capacity

In the absence of precise information concerning the ductility of this component, it

seems reasonable not to rely on it.
14. Base plate in bending under compression

a) Stiffness

b) Deformation capacity
 15. Base plate in bending under tension

a) Stiffness

when prying forces develop

when prying forces do not develop

where ℓeff and tp are defined as the effective length of the T-stub and the thickness of base
plate thickness. m is a geometrical characteristic of the T-stub

b) Deformation capacity

Reference may be directly done to what has been said for the deformation capacity of a column
flange in bending and an end-plate in bending.
 19. Welds

a) Stiffness

The stiffness coefficient for welds, k19 , is assumed to be infinite.

Welds are therefore not contributing to the global flexibility of the joints.

b) Deformation capacity

No significant plastic deformation capacity may be expected from welds. Weld failure
should always be considered as a quite brittle and so as an undesirable failure mode.
 20. Haunched beam

a) Stiffness

As for the component beam or column flange and web in compression, the relevant stiffness
coefficient k20 , is assumed to be infinite.

b) Deformation capacity

Similarly to what has been explained for the component beam or column flange and web in
compression, the ductility of this component may be estimated through the definition of the beam
cross section class which has to be achieved to define the value of Mc,Rd .
 Assembly for Rotational
Stiffness
Joints under bending moments

Rotational response of a joint is based on the mechanical properties of its different constitutive components. The
advantage is that an engineer is able to calculate the mechanical properties of any joint by decomposing the joint into
relevant components.
Components to be taken into account when calculating the initial stiffness for end-plated,
welded and flange cleated beam-to-column joints.
Force-deformation relationship of the spring:

Fi = ki .E . i

Fi the force in the spring i ;

ki the stiffness coefficient of the component i;
E the Young modulus;
i the deformation of the spring i .
f= (1+2+3+…) / z

M=F z
 Beam-column joint stiffness

Ez 2
Sj =
1

ki
 = S j ,ini / S j
if M j , Ed  2 / 3M j , Rd →  = 1
if 2 / 3M j , Rd  M j , Ed  M j , Rd →  = (1,5M j , Ed / M j , Rd ) 

➢Welded connection ψ=2.7

➢Bolted connection with ended plate ψ =2.7
➢Bolted connections with angle sections ψ =3.1
➢Base plate connection ψ =2.7
The stiffness ki,r of components 3, 4, 5 e 7 are added to one effective spring
by bolts line, with effective stiffness keff,r (r is the number line).
These effective springs by bolts are replaced by one equivalent spring
acting in in the distance zeq. The stiffness of this equivalent spring is keq.

keff ,r =
1  eff ,r r
k h 2
k h
eff , r r

1 zeq = r keq = r

i k k h
eff , r r
zeq
i ,r r