International Conference on Electrical, Electronics, and Optimization Techniques (ICEEOT) - 2016
Moment Rotation Curves for Semi Rigid
Connections
Venkatesh Patnana
M.Tech Scholar, Dept. of Applied Mechanics
VNIT, Nagpur, India
jesvenkatesh137@gmail.com
Abstract In the design of steel portal frames, we assume that
the connections behave as it is pinned or rigid. Truly the
connection would not behave as ideally pinned or ideally rigid.
The connection falls between pinned and rigid, and it is known as
semi-rigid. Change in the connection behavior changes the
behavior of structure. Increase in the flexibility of connection
leads to the secondary effects in the structures like drift. The
proper behavior of structure can be known by incorporating the
connection response in the structural analysis.
The behavior of connection can be known by Moment
Rotation response. In this paper Authors analyze and classify the
Moment Rotation relations given in literature and developed a
program to plot Moment Rotation curves.
Keywords Pinned; Semi-Rigid; Rigid; Moment Rotation
Curve; Programme
I. INTRODUCTION
For the simplification of analysis and design we are going
for the steel connection as pinned or rigid. We are analysing
and design the connections by separating from the Global
structure of the portal frame. So when beam get loaded, it
transfer the loading to column by using the behaviour of
connection. If the connection designed as pinned connection,
the whole load will be transferred to column without any
gravity moment. If the connection designed as rigid
connection, the load has to transfer to column as moment due
to the existence of continuity. But in nature the connection
falls between pinned and rigid i.e. it has some moment and
rotation at the joint. To know the actual moments developed at
the ends of connections we need to know the rotation at the
connection between the end of the beam and adjacent column.
So that we are not able to identify the true behaviour of
connection when it is assembled in the structure for transfer of
loading. The nonlinear characteristics of beam to column
connections play a very important role in the design of steel
portal frames. By considering the connection as semi-rigid,
methods like slope deflection, moment distribution matrix
stiffness methods were used to obtain the true structural
response. To analyse and design a structure we need to
incorporate the true behaviour of connection through Moment
Rotation curves in analysis packages. Because of semi rigid
connection design, the magnitude and location of maximum
bending moment will change and ultimately it leads to
reduction in the size of the members.For getting that moment
978-1-4673-9939-5/16/$31.00 2016 IEEE
A.Y. Vyavahare
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Applied Mechanics
VNIT, Nagpur, India
ayv@apm.vnit.ac.in
rotation curves we need mathematical representation of
relation between moment and curvature. In the recent years,
several researchers have published papers discussing the
influence of connection rigidity on steel portal frames for all
connections. So many experiments were conducted by those
researchers, and ultimately from the results they have
proposed various mathematical relations which are closely
resemble the true nature of connection.
II. MOMENT ROTATION MODELS
A. Frey and Morris Model
The stiffness matrix and force matrix in the Force
deformation relations get modified because of the deformation
of connection. Mathematical representation of force
deformation relation is needed to be incorporated in the
analysis. This mathematical relation is known as Moment
Rotation function. In 1975, John Frey M & Glenn A. Morris
proposed a polynomial function to represent Moment Rotation
curve for seven types of connections. These connections are
single web angle, double web angle, top and seat angle
without double web angle, end plate with and without column
stiffeners, T- stud connection and header plate connection.
Standardized Moment Rotation curves were developed as
function of size parameters. This polynomial need large
number of experimental data to find the power component of
size parameters that influences the behaviour of connections.
Frey and Morris polynomial model is,
1 3 5
= C1 (KM) +C 2 (KM) +C3 (KM) (1)
M- Moment available at the connection
- Rotation of joint
C1, C2 & C3 - Curve fitting constants and
K - Standardization parameter.
In some cases the polynomial will give negative stiffness.
B. Picard and Giroux Model
In the evaluation of rigid framing connection between
wide flange beams and tubular columns, Coped strap angles
are used to transfer the moment. In 1976, A. Picard and Y.M.
Giroux gave a polynomial Moment Rotation function for
Coped strap angle from the procedure given by John Frey M
and Glenn A. Morris, 1975.
 There are two configurations, (1) Width of tube equal to Here k i , k p , M 0 and n are initial stiffness, plastic stiffness,
width of flange, (2) Width of beam less than the width of tube.
reference moment and shape parameter.
Picard and Giroux polynomial model is,
-5 -11 3 -16 5 F. Ang and Morris Model
=1.0410 (KM)-1.6210 (KM) +4.6210 (KM) (2)
From the experimental data available for beam to column
K - Standardization parameter. connections from 1968 to 1976, K.M. Ang and G.A. Morris,
1984 gave dimensionless factors and standardization factors
C. P. Prabha et al. Model for five types of functions. These five types of connections are
Polynomial model proposed by John Frey M and Glenn A. single web, double web, header plate, top and seat angle and
Morris, 1975 estimate the connection as under estimate or strap angle connection. To show the Moment Rotation
over stiffened because formulation was done for very few behavior of connections, K.M. Ang and G.A. Morris (1984)
experiments, and not considered any effect of air gap between used the power model given by Ramberg-Osgood (1943)
the beam section and column flange. Actually the air gap will function.
affect the behavior of connection. By considering an air gap of Ramberg Osgood power model power model is,
10 mm for a double web angle connection, Prabha [11] has
n -1
given the polynomial model for the modified Frey and Morris KM KM
model and conducted FEM analysis for (1) No air gap, (2) 7 = 1+ (6)
mm air gap, (3) 10 mm air gap. 0 [KM]0 [KM]0
Prabha [8] polynomial model is, Here 0 ,[KM]0 and n are constants that define the shape of
3 3 4 5 the standardization function.
= 75.043(KM)-1.58310 (KM) +9.81610 (KM) (3)
K - Standardization parameter. K - Standardization parameter.

D. Ramberg Osgood Model G. Chisala Model

The more widely used function to describe the stiffness The non-linear Moment Rotation relationship for beam to
semi rigid joints is Ramberg Osgood function, 1943 and is column is represented by Chisala, 1999 [6] as a three
initially proposed for the nonlinear stress strain relationships. parameter exponential model. The three parameters, as the
This power model was later standardized by K.M. Ang and Moment Rotation relationship depend on the elastic region,
G.A. Morris, 1984 [3] for five types of connections. It will strain hardening region and a transition region defined by the
give nonlinear and smooth representation of the Moment plastic yielding properties of the connection components. So,
Rotation curve. the elastic stiffness, plastic stiffness and the interception
constant are the three parameters that influence the Moment
Ramberg Osgood power model is,
Rotation characteristics. This model is applied for single web
n -1 angle, double web angle and top and seat angle with &
KM KM without web angles.
= 1+ (4)
0 [KM]0 [KM]0 Chisala exponential model is,
-Ki
Here 0 ,[KM]0 and n are constants that define the shape
M0
of the standardization function M = [M 0 +K p ][1-e ] (7)
K - Standardization parameter
Here M 0 , K i , K p are the interception constant,
E. Richard Abbott Model connection initial stiffness and strain hardening stiffness
The Moment Rotation function given by Richard Abbott,
1975 [5] contains four parameters and it is a power model. H. Attiogbe and Morris Model
Because of its computational effectiveness and good physical The experimental data is the main basis for the comparing
model it is currently most used model. Richard Abbott the stability of most promising functions and for the modeling
power model is, the Moment Rotation functions. The non-linear nature of
connection for a small loading can be analyzed as number of
(k i - k p ) linear models. The cubic B-spline gives good fit but need large
M= + kp (5) number of parameters but Richard Abbott (1975) or Ramberg
n 1/ n
(k - k ) Osgood (1943) functions need four to three parameters.
1 + i p Richard-Abbott (1975) function gives more accurate curve fit
M0 than Ramberg Osgood function. In 1991, E. Attiogbe and G.
Morris [5] derived Moment Rotation function for steel beam
to column connections by collecting test data from a
parametric study of 14 double web angles. Richard-Abbotts
model is a power model with four parameters.
Richard Abbott model Power model with Attiogbe and
Morris standardization functions is,
0 know the parameters that influence the connection behavior.
1-k
pM
M 0 0 Kukreti power model is,
= +k p (8)
M 0 0 n 1/n
1 kp M0
1+ ( - M )
0 0
Here M0, 0, kp and n are the reference moment, reference
rotation, slope of the curve for large value of rotation and
sharpness parameter.
I. Calado Model
Information model using neural networks can provide
alternate for conventional methods of obtaining Moment
Rotation relation. The approximate Moment Rotation curve
can be obtained by extracting information directly from
experiments. Artificial neural network is an artificial
intelligence application applied to the problems of predicting
function approximation, classification, filtering, structural
analysis, design dynamics and control and structural damage
assessment. In 2000, Calado [12] conducted an experiment on
beam to column connection using top and seat angles without
web angles, and the results obtained exhibits a highly
nonlinear response. Training data sets were collected and
constructed with Moment Rotation pairs digitized randomly
from the experimental results. The behavior followed by the
connection is as Ramberg-Osgood power function.
Calado power model is,
M M
r -1
= 1+ (9)
k0 My
Here My, k0 and r are the yielding strength, initial stiffness
and the shape parameter respectively.
J. Krishnamurthy Model
To study the rotational behavior of connections FEM can
be used for a wide range of parameters. Krishnamurthy [4]
conducted experiments on 5 prototypes to know the
parameters of model and to know the numerical results. In
1979, this process of getting the parameters influence of
connection was extended to develop a simple power model for
extended end plate connection with four bolts on the tension
side. For considerable transfer of moment extended end plates
are the one of the available option.
Krishnamurthy power model is,
= CM (10)
Here , C are the curve fitting constants.
K. Kukreti Model
From the knowledge of Krishnamurthys (1979) extended
end plate connection, Kukreti [10] extended the research to
flushed end plate connections without column stiffeners.
Kukreti developed a power model that resembles the
Krishnamurthys power model. FEM study was conducted to
= CM
(11)
Here , C are the curve fitting constants.
L. Yee and Melchers Model
From the equations of equilibrium, compatibility and
material relations, the rotational stiffness and moment of
resistance of a joint can be known. By considering the possible
yielding and failures mechanisms of connection components
in 1986 Y.L. Yee and R.E. Melchers [7] gave a four parameter
power function relates to plastic moment capacity, initial
stiffness and plastic stiffness of connection for bolted
extended end plate eave connection.
Yee and Melchers power model is,
-(k i -k p +C )
M = M p 1-exp( ) +k p (12)
Mp
Here Mp, ki, kp and C are plastic moment capacity of weaker
section, initial stiffness, plastic stiffness and a constant that
controlling the slope of the curve.
M. Chen-Lui Model
In 1986, Lui and Chen [8] proposed an exponential model,
by giving the values of curve fitting constants for single web,
top and seat angle, flushed end plate and extended end plate
connection. The proposed models needs more curve fitting
parameters to define the proper shape of Moment Rotation
curve. The accuracy of the nonlinear connection behavior is
comparable to B-spline model.
Chen and Lui exponential model is,
n
-
M = M0 + =1 C j 1- exp 2j +k p
j
(13)
Where M, M0, Cj, , , n and kp are moment in the connection,
initial moment, curve fitting coefficients, absolute value of the
rotation, scaling factor and number of terms considered.
N. Modified Chen-Lui Model
In 1986, Lui and Chen proposed an exponential model, by
giving the values of curve fitting constants for single web, top
and seat angle, flushed end plate and extended end plate
connection. The proposed models needs more curve fitting
parameters to define the proper shape of Moment Rotation
curve. To accommodate the linear components the function
given by Chen and Lui was modified by Kishi and Chen in
1986a, 1986b.
 The modified Chen - Lui exponential model is,
m
- n B. Model 2
M = M 0 + C j 1-exp + Dk ( k ) H ( k ) (14)
j=1
2j k=1 Example shown in Fig.2 is modified to top and seat angle
connection without web angles. The geometrical properties of
Here k, Cj, Dk and H[] are the starting rotation of linear beam and column are made of Universal Beam steel section
components, curve fitting constants and heavy side function. 306.6 x 165.7 x 11.8 x 6.7 x 46.1 of ultimate strength 410
MPa are shown in Fig 4. The angle sections used were ISA 65
The following Fig.1 represents Moment Rotation curves x 65 x 6 and the length of angle is 120 mm are placed at top
for connections mentioned in literature. and bottom of beam. 16 mm diameter high strength friction
grip bolts of grade 8.8 is used in the connection.

Fig.3. Geometric parameters for top and seat angle connection

IV. MOMENT ROTATION CURVES FOR CONNECTION MODELS

For the above shown Fig.2 and Fig.3 were analyzed
for the available Moment Rotation models for double web
angle and top and seat angle connection.

Fig.1. Connection Moment Rotation curves A. Model 1

(M.J. Frey & G.A Morris, 1975)

III. CONNECTION SPECIFICATIONS

A. Model 1
Test data available from Raman 2005 [14] is used for
analyzing a double web angle beam to column connection.
The geometrical properties of beam and column are made of
Universal Beam steel section 306.6 x 165.7 x 11.8 x 6.7 x 46.1
of ultimate strength 410 MPa are shown in Fig. 2. The angle
section used was ISA 65 x 65 x 6 and the length of angle is
180 mm. 16 mm diameter high strength friction grip bolts of
grade 8.8 is used in the connection.

Fig.4. Moment Rotation plots for double web angle connection

Moment Rotation curves were drawn as shown in Fig. 4 to

represent the behaviour of connection for each individual
model without changing the geometric properties of double
web angle connection.
Chisala [6] model shows higher initial stiffness and
moves with exponential form than all the connection
models.
Frey and Morris [1] modal exhibits high initial
stiffness next to Chisala [6] model.
Fig.2. Geometric parameters of double web angle connection.
 Ang and Morris [3] model shows that the initial the specified moment() to plastic rotation(p) and on y-axis
stiffness falls between Frey and Morris [1] and with the ratio of moment(M) to plastic moment(Mp). This
Attiogbe and Morris [5] model stiffness. classification serves for both ultimate and serviceability limit
state.
By modifying Frey and Morris [1] modal, Prabha
[11] proposed a polynomial model that exhibits The classification system given in Fig.6 and Fig 7 are used
higher flexibility i.e. low initial stiffness for the given to know the stiffness, strength and ductility characteristics of
connection. connection. The connection classification according to
stiffness and strength is shown in TABLE I.
In Prabha [11] model 7 mm air gap curve shows
higher stiffness than 10 mm air gap because there is a TABLEI. CONNECTION CLASSIFICATION LIMITS
restriction for rotation of joint. Nature of In terms of
S.NO In terms of Stiffness
Connection Strength
Attiogbe and Morris [5] show that the initial stiffness
falls between Prabha [11] model and Ang and Morris i. Rigid m 0.7 m 2.5
[3] model for the connection.
ii. Semi Rigid 0.7> m > 0.2 2.5 > m > 0.5
B. Model 2
iii. Flexible m 0.2 m 0.5

The ductility is limited to the boundary formed by a straight

line having the form (15).
m = (5.4 - 2) / 3 (15)
Here m and are non-dimensional parameters
A. Model 1

Fig.5. Moment Rotation plots for top and seat angle connection.

Moment Rotation curves were drawn as shown in Fig.5 to

represent the behaviour of connection for each individual
model without changing the geometric properties for top and
seat angle connection.
Lui and Chen [8] model shows higher initial stiffness
and moves with exponential form than all the
connection models.
Frey and Morris [1] modal exhibits low initial
stiffness relative to other connections.
Ang and Morris [3] model shows that the initial Fig.6. Classification of double web angle connection models
stiffness nearly same as that of the Lui and Chen [8] according to IS: 800-2007.
model stiffness. Frey and Morris [1] model shows connection is
flexible as for as serviceability and limit states are
Chisala [6] model shows the same pattern of model concerned.
stiffness falls between of Frey and Morris [1] and
Ang and Morris [3]. Prabha [11] model shows connection is flexible as for
as serviceability and limit states are concerned.
V. CLASSIFICATION OF CONNECTIONS Ang and Morris [3] model shows connection is
To know the connection behavior according to each model flexible as for as serviceability and limit states are
certainly we need a classification system, so that we can assess concerned.
the type of connection that the model assumes.
Attiogbe and Morris [5] model shows connection is
In IS: 800-2007 there was a classification given by flexible as for as serviceability and limit states are
Bjorhovde and Brozzetti, 1990 [13] to know in which category concerned.
the connection falls like rigid, semi rigid and flexible. To
know the classification graphs shown in Fig.6 and Fig.7 drawn Chisala [6] model shows connection is semi rigid as
using dimensionless form on x- axis as the ratio of rotation at for as serviceability and flexible as per limit state.
 B. Model 2
Fig.7. Classification of top and seat angle connection models
according to IS: 800-2007.
Frey and Morris [1] model shows connection is
flexible as for as serviceability and limit states are
concerned.
Ang and Morris [3] model shows connection is
flexible as for as serviceability and semi rigid as for
as limit states are concerned.
Chisala [6] model shows connection is flexible as for
as serviceability and limit states are concerned.
Lui and Chen [8] model shows that the connection is
flexible as for as serviceability and semi rigid as for
as limit states are concerned.
VI. PROCEDURE FOR PROGRAM TO PLOT MOMENT
ROTATION CURVES
Programming is one of the powerful tool to link different
applications and to get the results. In this paper we developed
a visual basic program to plot Moment Rotation curves for
different commonly used connections.
When the program is running and during the form
loads, the combo will load for different
connections.
We choose the particular type of connection, so
according to connection the curve fitting constant
required for the models will get selected and at
the same time form display the geometrical
diagram of connection.
We have to enter the geometrical and material
properties of connection as input for calculating
the plastic moment (MP) and plastic rotation
capacity (p).
By using the command button Moment Rotation
curves (M-) for connections and classification
according to IS: 800-2007 will be displayed on
the form.
VII. CONCLUSION
Now a days in and around there is a drastic construction of
steel structure. The connection between the components of
steel structures should be designed in such a way that the
component should fail before the connection fails. Due to the
flexibility in the connection components, the connection
behaviour in different from pinned and fixed and it is semi
rigid. Researchers have given the behaviour of connection in
the form of Moment Rotation models so that the incorporation
of these behaviour lead to the proper designing of the
members and make cost effective.
In this paper, Moment Rotation models were discussed and
gave the connection classification according to IS: 800-2007.
Due to increase in the research of connection classification,
there is a need to prepare a data bank for connection models
and in this paper there is procedure for program given to plot
the Moment Rotation curves for connection models.
Acknowledgment
The authors are thankful to The Director, VNIT, Nagpur,
for constant encouragement.
References
[1] M.J. Frey, and G.A. Morris, Analysis of flexibly connected steel
frames, Can. J. Civil Eng., vol. 2(3), pp. 280-291, 1975.
[2] A. Picard, Y.M. Giroux and P. Brun, Discussion of analysis of
flexibly connected steel frames, Can. J. Civil Eng., vol. 3(2), pp. 3502,
1976.
[3] K.M. Ang, and G.A. Morris, Analysis of three-dimensional frames with
flexible beam-column connections, Can. J. Civil Eng., vol. 11, pp. 245-
254, 1984.
[4] N. Krishnamurthy, H. Huang, P.K. Jeffrey, and L.K. Avery, Analytical
M curves for end-plate connections, J. Struct. Engrg., vol. 105, pp.
13345, 1979.
[5] E. Attiogbe, and G. Morris, Moment rotation functions for steel
connections, J. Struct. Engrg., ASCE, vol. 117(6), pp. 1703-1718,
1991.
[6] M.L. Chisala, Modelling M- curves for standard beam-to-column
connections, Engineering structures, vol. 21(11), pp. 1066-1075, 1999.
[7] Y.L. Yee, and R.E. Melchers, Momentrotation curves for bolted
connections,J. Struct.Engrg., ASCE, vol. 112, pp. 61535, 1986.
[8] E.M. Lui, and W.F. Chen, Analysis and behaviour of flexibly jointed
frames, Engineering Structures, vol. 8, pp. 10715, 1986.
[9] N. Kishi, and W.F. Chen, Moment rotation relations of semi-rigid
connections with angles, J. Struct.Engrg., ASCE, vol. 116(7), pp.
1813-34, 1990.
[10] A.R. Kukreti, T.M. Murray, and A. Abolmaali, End plate connection
moment-rotation relationship, J. Constr. Steel Res., vol. 8, pp. 137-57,
1987.
[11] P. Prabha, V. Marimuthu, M. Saravanan, G.S. Palani, and M. Surendran,
Modified Frey- Morris polynomial model for double web-angle
connections, J. Adv. Struct. Eng, vol. 7, pp. 295-306, 2015.
[12] L. Calado, G. De Matteis, and R. Landolfo, Experimental response of
top and seat angle semi-rigid steel frame connections, Material and
structures, vol. 33, pp. 499-510, 2000.
[13] IS 800: 2007 Indian standard general construction in steel- code of
practice.
[14] M. Raman,Analytical & experimental investigations on semi-rigid steel
connections, ME thesis, Malnad College of Engineering, Hassan,2005.