Flexible endplates

[leisure17]

I've noticed that most literature for flexible endplates (in UK) shows a short (>0.6 x D) plate on the end of the beam, but in practice I see more full depth plates i.e. the plate is the same B x D dims as the beam and welded all round. Why is this, I would have thought that the smaller plate & lesser weld would be far cheaper?

 

[ishvaaag]

... maybe they find it more practical and adaptable to constructability; from the handling viewpoint the closed ends must be more friendly. Other thing is how this may in some case sbe affecting the structural intent.

 

[hokie66]

The full depth end plate is not flexible.

 

[connectegr]

As Hokie66 said a full depth endplate is not flexible. Especially if the flanges are welded to the plate. This is definitely a case where more connection is not better.

http://www.FerrellEngineering.com

 

[csd72]

I would expect they are probably going for partial fixity instead of a pinned joint.

 

[ToadJones]

the OP is likely confusing shear end plates with moment endplates.

 

[leisure17]

Thanks guys. All the answers are as I expected.
Although not a structural engineer I am called upon to detail small frames etc sometimes from others drawings and these always show full endplates. Being interested in engineering (well I have been in it for nearly 50 years) I like to look at calcs etc, and they are nearly always simply supported beams, very few moment connections, so in theory those should have flexible endoplates. All our historical drawings show these full depth endplates and I was wondering if I should start making proper flexible ones from now on. With full calcs of course.
I know some of the drawings come from non structural guys but others do come from pukka structural companies.

 

[hokie66]

Depends on the situation. In a lot of cases, a bit more stiffness doesn't hurt. Flexibility of end connections is most important where seismic detailing requires flexibility at that point. Another place to avoid end plate connections is where a member has to fit between two fixed support points.