Behavior of Beam-to-Column Connections with Angles. Part 2-Numerical Analysis

Based on the results of experimental tests, presented in the first part of this paper, Part 1-Experimental Investigations (Ghindea M., Catarig A., Ballok R.) advanced numerical simulations were performed using FEM based software Abaqus. The recently arise of high speed computers and advanced FEM software packages allow to create and solve extensively detailed 3D models. The aim of this second part of the paper is to develop accurate FEM models for better approach of the studied beam-to-column connections. The paper presents the designed numerical models and the results for four bolted beam-to-column connections using top-and-seat and/or web angle cleats, in different configurations. The objective of this paper is to achieve functional numerical models which, by faithfully running, reproduce the experimental results. Thus, calibrating the numerical results with the experimental ones it can be perform then parametric studies, achieving reliable results for similar configurations of joints. The results obtained after numerical simulations were compared with experimental data. The behavior moment-rotation curve and the deformation process of the experimental captured specimens were virtually reproduced with minimum deviation.