Statistical analysis and reliability applications of partially restrained steel connections

The Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) specification developed by the American Institute of Steel Construction allows the designer to consider the partial restraint in a steel connection. A design with a partially restrained connection reduces the design moment, therefore reducing member sizes. A generated nonlinear equation was fitted to available experimental data on six different types of connections. The connections analyzed were single web angle, double web angle, top and seat angle, end plate with column stiffeners, end plate without column stiffeners, and header plate. The statistics of parameters governing the moment-rotation curves of the connection are determined.

Design examples from the LRFD Manual were used as an application of a use of statistical data in finding the reliability of a uniformly loaded, partially restrained beam with a given connection. Performance functions for each connection failure mode are derived for both elastic and plastic behavior. The overall reliability index is determined by considering the union of the individual failure modes.