An extension of EC8-concepts to AISC-like design criteria for ductile stainless steel end-plate moment connections

This paper presents a proposal of extension of the second-generation EC8 concepts of steel moment-resisting connection to AISC-like design criteria for the case of stainless steel end-plate connections. Both full strength (i.e., non-yielding connection) and equal strength (i.e., balance yielding in the beam and connection) are considered. The design yield patterns of both end-plate and column flange are revised in order to enhance the local ductility of the connections. In addition, further rules for stainless steel bolts are proposed, and depth-to-thickness ratios for the rib stiffener are established. The effectiveness of the design procedure is verified through parametric finite element (FE) simulations that were performed using models validated against three experimental tests on stainless steel connections. Besides the evaluation of the monotonic and cyclic response, an extensive damage assessment was conducted. The results indicated that the proposed design criteria allow for designing connections that experience the expected mechanical response.