Elastic Behaviour of Varying‐Width T‐Stubs in Contact with a Rigid Foundation

Abstract Extensive research has been conducted on the tensile behaviour of T‐stubs with uniform width, commonly used to model the tensile areas of bolted end‐plate connections. However, bolts can be positioned on the end‐plate corner particularly in column base plates. The previous classical T‐stub model does not apply directly, and a varying‐width end‐plate should be considered. Accurate modelling of such configurations is essential to determine their stiffness and incorporate it into the evaluation of the rotational stiffness of the connection. To bridge this gap, the present study develops a refined mechanical model based on enhanced beam theory in contact with a rigid foundation. This model is applied to simulate the elastic response of varying‐width T‐stubs, enabling the evaluation of anchor bolt forces, position of the prying force and the stub's tensile stiffness. The proposed model is confronted to results of a finite element model developed using ANSYS APDL with solid and contact elements. The analytical and numerical results are in good agreement. To support practical application, a simplified formulation is also proposed. The developed model offers a reliable tool for understanding and designing corner‐bolted steel‐to‐concrete end‐plate connections, especially in the elastic domain.