Enhancing The Stability of Steel Column-Base Plate Connections: A Comparative Study of Basic Structural Parameters

Steel column-to-base plate connections are critical to steel structures' stability, load transfer efficiency, and structural integrity. This study provides a comparative assessment of the key structural properties that influence the performance of these connections under axial loading. The study investigates the effect of anchor bolt configurations (quantity, diameter, and arrangement), base plate thickness, weld thickness, and stiffener configurations on the load-bearing capacity of the connection, stress distribution, and failure processes. Finite element analysis (FEA) was performed using ABAQUS, and the results were compared with theoretical formulas derived from Eurocode 3 (EN 1993-1-8) and Eurocode 2 (EN 1992-1-1). The results indicate that optimal integration of anchor bolts and stiffeners improves axial and bending resistance, but excessive weld thickness may negatively affect the performance. The research highlights the essential function of base plate thickness in mitigating deformations and enhancing structural integrity. The results provide critical insights into the optimal design of steel column-to-base plate connections, improving stability, durability, and cost-effectiveness in structural engineering applications.