Cyclic Behavior of Bolted Stiffened End-Plate Moment Connections for Different Bolt Pretensioning Levels: An Experimental Study

Bolted stiffened end-plate moment connections are one of the most usable used as a prequalified connection in special steel frames. According to AISC design code, this can be considered important parts resisting frames with enough bolt pretension levels. In paper, using three full-scale bolted designed according AISC, effects levels have been examined experimentally under SAC cyclic-loading protocol. Bolt level has defined α coefficient show pretensioning specimens. The bolts first specimen not pretensioned, called snug-tightened bolts, and reference connections. second third is created accordance code more Fu pretensioned fully respectively. bolt’s capacity, total energy absorption, initial rotational stiffness, ductility well stress strain variation investigated. results, increase would significantly improve cyclic behavior Furthermore, an led initiation inelastic deformation from smaller rotation, improved. addition, rate growth capacity absorption was 8% 9% compared Note that by regulations comparison where higher than value mentioned better but needed.