Abstract

Column base plates are analyzed and designed on the assumption that the plate is rigid and its thickness is determined from the cantilever action of the plate projection beyond the column face. In the case of column base plates with stiffeners, the plate thickness is determined by considering its bending and some parameters, which define the boundaries. In the present research two aspects are investigated, the adequacy of the present provisions on the design procedure of base plates with stiffeners and degree of rigidity of the connection with foundation. The three dimensional models are analyzed and compared with the known laboratory test results under axial load and axial load with moment. The results show good agreement between finite element analysis and experimental test.

Key words: Finite element analysis, steel connection, column base plate, rotational stiffness, rigidity.