Bolted end-plate connections are made by welding the beam to an end plate and bolting the end plate to a column flange. The three end-plate configurations shown in Figure 6.1 are covered in this section and are prequalified under the AISC Seismic Provisions within the limitations of this standard.
The behavior of this type of connection can be controlled by a number of different limit states, including flexural yielding of the beam section, flexural yielding of the end plates, yielding of the column panel zone, tension rupture of the end-plate bolts, shear rupture of the end-plate bolts, or rupture of various welded joints. The design criteria provide sufficient strength in the elements of the connections to ensure that the inelastic deformation of the connection is achieved by beam yielding.