Modelling of beam-to-column connections at elevated temperature using the component method

In this paper, a nonlinear model is developed using the component method in order to represent the response of steel connections under various loading conditions and temperature variations. The model is capable of depicting the behaviour of a number of typical connection types including endplate forms (extended and flush) and angle configurations (double web, top and seat, and combined top-seat-web) in both steel and composite framed structures. The implementation is undertaken within the finite element program ADAPTIC, which accounts for material and geometric nonlinearities. Verification of the proposed connection model is carried out by comparing analytical simulations with available results of isolated joint tests for the ambient case, and isolated joint as well as sub-frame tests for elevated temperature conditions. The findings illustrate the reliability and efficiency of the proposed model in capturing the stiffness and strength properties of connections, hence highlighting the adequacy of the component approach in simulating the overall joint behaviour at elevated temperature.