This paper presents a numerical investigation of the mechanical behaviour of extended end - plate steel connections including comparison with full size experiments. Contact and friction laws have been taken into account with nonlinear, three dimensional finite element analysis. Material and geometric nonlinearities have been implemented to the model, as well. Results are then compared with experimental tests conducted at the Jordan University of Science and Technology. According to the most significant observation of the analysis, a separation of the column flange from the extended end - plate occurs. Other important structural parameters of the connection, like the impact of some column stiffeners on the overall response, local buckling of the column and friction of the beam to column interface, have been examined as well.