An experimental investigation was conducted to study the behavior of snug
tight ASTM A325 bolts in moment end-plate connections for use in single story
buildings. Wind loading was deemed to be the critical loading on snug tight bolt,
moment end-plate connections. A test loading sequence was established based
on a statistical analysis of the 50-year wind loading on low rise buildings. Eleven
specimens, representing six end-plate configurations, were tested under cyclic
loading covering expected wind loads in the range of 33 to 100 percent of the
connection design (allowable stress design) moment. Following the cyclic
loading, the specimens were statically loaded to failure, and the experimental
strengths were compared with predicted strengths for connections with fully
tightened A325 bolts. Additionally, the effect of snug tight bolts on connection
stiffness are considered. Finally, recommendations for the use of snug tight bolts
in moment end-plate connections were provided.