Finite Element Analysis of Single Plate Shear Connections by Aphinat Ashakul Ph.D. dissertation submitted to the faculty of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy In Civil Engineering Approved: ____________________ Thomas M. Murray, Chairman ____________________ _____________________ Finley A. Charney W. Samuel Easterling ____________________ _____________________ Raymond H. Plaut Mahendra P. Singh May 2004 Blacksburg, Virginia 24061 Keywords: ABAQUS; Bolt; Connection; Finite Element; Plate; Shear; Simulation; Weld