Design procedures for moment end-plate connections, which include prying action effects, have been verified for five end-plate configurations. The design procedures include the use of yield-line theory for determining the end-plate thickness and the so-called modified Kennedy method for determining bolt forces.

This investigation extends these design procedures to include the four-bolt extended unstiffened moment end-plate connection. The results of four experimental tests are evaluated and compared to the predicted results obtained from yield-line theory and the modified Kennedy method. Using the finite element method, analyses to determine the stress in the beam at a cross-section near to the connection are also performed. The results from the finite element analyses are compared to experimental results. In addition, the type of construction suitable for this connection is assessed.

Modifications to the analytical predictions are made based on the above comparisons. Results indicate that the flange force is distributed equally to the inner and outer end-plate. Also, prying action is included for the inner bolts at all times, and for the outer bolts when failure is controlled by the end-plates. Design recommendations and an example using the modified design procedure are presented in this thesis.