Quantitative measure of real rotational stiffness of simple shear connections using knife plates and clip angles

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Nowadays most of the steel design codes suggest the use of either one of two types of connections: the rigidconnections such as different moment connections and the semi-rigid or flexible connections which representsmost of the simple shear connections. These hypotheses are simple and convenient for quick analysis andsimple design purposes; however, they do not accurately represent the real behavior of such connections in thegreat majority of structures.SAFI Inc. is a Canadian-based World leader company in finite element modeling and design software. AsSAFI Inc. provides complete analysis and design solutions for many types of steel structures, one of thechallenges is to provide a system that reiterates through the analysis and design cycles (for both connectionsand members) to provide highly economic and safe designs. Therefore, SAFI is specifically seeking a soundproject that bridges this gap. The goal is to develop clear easy-to-use moment-rotation curves for any givenshear connection.The methodology adopted in this research project is to develop detailed 3D models to accurately simulatesimple beams along with their different end conditions to find clear relation between the configuration of suchconnections and their moment-rotation curves. Hence, the aim is to develop charts or formulas to correlate theconfiguration of the connection to its rotational stiffness.The findings of this research project will have a direct impact on the SAFI preparedness for 3D virtual steelbuildings modelling and simulation, which is one of its current strategic focuses.