AbstractBolted top and seat angle connections are mainly designed to sustain gravitational loads of simply supported steel beams. However, the inherent flexural resistance of such connections may not be ignored when an accurate analysis of semirigid steel frames is desired. Current research aims at studying moment–rotation behaviour of this type under combined moment and axial tension force. Several refined three‐dimensional finite element models are created based on the previous experimental studies, and their accuracy is examined trough a comparison to test results from previous experimental studies. This study showed that the axial tension force reduces the connection initial stiffness and moment capacity. Based on the results obtained from analysing a series of finite element models under combined axial tension and moment loading, an equation is presented to estimate the affected moment–rotation response of such connections in terms of the connection geometrical properties, its moment–rotation response in the case of zero axial force and an expected axial tension force. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.