Finite element analysis of the behaviour of double-row bolted fin-plate connections

Fin-plate connections are among the most prevalent shear connections in the United States and Australia due to their simplicity in manufacturing and erection. Eurocode 3 Part 1-8 (Eurocode 3, 2005) classifies fin-plates as connection components that can transmit significant moments despite being classified as pinned connections. This study aims to investigate fin-plate connections with double rows of bolts and their effect on joint behaviour and strength, including the effect of plate thickness on the Torsional Moment-Angle of Twist and Moment-Rotation relationship. The results were analysed to determine the influence of these factors on behaviour and joint strength, and they were utilized to assess the efficacy of the Eurocode 3 Part 1-8 design approach. To fulfil the study's objective, finite element models were developed using the finite element analysis software Abaqus. The modelling considers material and geometric non-linearity to evaluate the overall behaviour of the connection and the individual components involved in this type of connection. The results were compared with those obtained from experimental testing to validate the finite element models.