Component method extension to steel beam-to-beam and beam-to-column knee joints under bending and axial forces

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of semi-rigid beam-to-beam end-plate bolted and beam-to-column end-plate bolted knee joints that are subjected to bending and tension or compression axial force. Usually the influence of axial force on joint rigidity is neglected. According to EC3, the axial load, which is less than 10 % of plastic resistance of the connected member under axial force, may be disregarded in the design of joint. Actually the level of axial forces in joints of structures may be significant and has a significant influence on joint rigidity. One of the most popular practical method permitting the determination of rigidity and strength of joint is the so-called component method. The extension of the component method for evaluating the influence of bending moment and axial force on the rigidity and strength of the joint are presented in the paper. The numerical results of calculations of rigidity and strength of beam-to-beam and beam-to-column knee joints are presented in this paper as well.