The present work deals wit11 the numerical analysis of the low-cycle fracture behaviour of semi-rigid beam-to-column connections. In detail, the examined connections are steel bolted extended end plate connections with fillet welds. in which a joint connecting an IPE beam to an HE external column is considered within a plane frame. In order to investigate the failure mechanism of connections subjected to monotonic and cyclic loading, the material was characterized from a mechanical and microstructural standpoint. Hence, detailed three-dimensional non-linear finite element analyses were carried out in order to tune model material parameters. Successively, two-dimensional inelastic analyses were performed to validate connection finite element models. Stress and strain distributions of extended end plate connections both in the monotonic and in the cyclic loading regime were investigated. Finally. additional analyses were carried out on isolated Tee Stub connections to examine details able to reduce loading-induced toughness demands. Analyses have shown that fracture driving force demands quantified in terms of crack tip opening displacements, are reduced by using fillet welds matching the end plate material.

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