In this paper an experimental study is performed on end-plate type joints. The test arrangement represents a column-base joint of a steel frame. Altogether six specimens were tested, each of them subjected to cyclic loading. The specimens were carefully designed by performing detailed preliminary calculations so that they would present typical behaviour types of end-plate joints. On the basis of the experimentally established moment-rotation relationship, the cyclic characteristics of each specimen have been calculated and compared to one another. The results are evaluated, qualitative and quantitative conclusions are drawn.