Analytical prediction of moment-rotation behaviour of austenitic stainless steel bolted connections

Steel framework is one of the most commonly used structural systems in modern construction and beam‐to‐column connections play a significant role in overall performance of the structure. Semi‐rigid behaviour of steel connections was investigated both experimentally and numerically over the last few decades. Stainless steel alloys are now increasingly used in construction industry owing to their superior material properties such as corrosion resistance, higher strength, enhanced ductility, significantly lower maintenance cost and attractive appearance. In this study, the performance of stainless steel top‐seat with or without double web angle (DWA) bolted connections are analytically investigated using a proposed four parameter power model assuming plastic hinges are formed in the connected angles. The proposed analytical model can predict the moment‐rotation behaviour using four key connection parameters such as initial stiffness, strain hardening stiffness, reference plastic rotation and shape parameter. These key parameters were expressed as functions of easily obtainable geometric and material properties. This model allows to predict complete moment‐rotation curves for stainless steel connections using the knowledge of easily available properties and configurations of the connecting elements. Analytically predicted moment‐rotation curves were compared with those obtained using 3D finite element models, and showed good agreement with actual connection behaviour.