Simplified beam grid model of the face plate component in I‐beam to concrete‐filled tubular column joints

Abstract

Beam‐to‐column joints connecting I‐beams to concrete‐filled tubular columns are widely used in steel and composite construction due to their structural efficiency and enhanced fire resistance. In these joints, the out‐of‐plane response of the column face plate governs the deformation capacity, yet current design standards provide no clear guidance for its assessment. This work presents the development of a simplified grid model based on beam elements capable of reproducing the nonlinear behaviour of the face plate component subjected to out‐of‐plane tension. The proposed model is validated against detailed solid finite element simulations, which are also used to conduct a broad parametric investigation covering two joint configurations and a wide range of column face slenderness. The grid model, formulated using beam elements with calibrated support conditions and effective spans, accurately captures both the initial stiffness and the nonlinear force–displacement response when compared with solid finite element results. This approach provides a reliable and computationally efficient alternative to complex solid models and represents a step towards a consistent component‐based description of beam‐to‐concrete‐filled tubular column joints.