The cyclic performance of column base plate connections using different types of stiffeners

Column base connections represent the support system of a structure, and they should be strong enough to sustain the transmitted demands between the columns and foundation. This study describes numerically the performance of strengthened column base plate connections under cyclic loading. Four types of stiffeners were considered in the analysis: bracket plates, angles, channels with vertical stiffeners, and built-up stiffeners. The efficiency of used stiffeners, the cyclic performance of the strengthened connections, and along with the failure modes were investigated. The numerical results showed that all the proposed strengthening methods have sufficient flexural strength and stiffness higher than the column. A pinched hysteretic response was observed for all strengthened connections under the applied cyclic loading. The built-up stiffener presented the maximum moment capacity and rotational stiffness among the other configurations. Using strengthened connections with more stiffeners made the anchor rods the fuse elements in the connection.