Explicit simulation of bolted endplate composite beam-to-CFST column connections

This paper explores the use of an explicit solver available in ABAQUS/Explicit to simulate the behaviour of blind bolted endplate connections between composite beams and concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) columns. Main aspects of the explicit analysis such as solution technique, blind bolt modelling, choice of element type and contact modelling are discussed and illustrated through the simulation of a large-scale test on the considered joint. The mass scaling option and smooth step amplitude are very effective tools to speed up the explicit simulation. Shell elements can be used in modelling the I-beam due to their computational efficiency and accuracy in capturing local buckling effects. With a proper control of the loading rate, the explicit analysis can provide accurate and efficient predictions of the quasi-static behaviour of the bolted endplate composite connections.