Behavior and Design of Angle Connections Subjected to Cyclic Axial Force and Shear

The objectives of this study were to establish cyclic behavior of double angle shear connections subjected to axial load and to develop design recommendations. Five cyclic tests of double angle beam-to-column connections were performed. The studies indicated that the bolted double angle connections were stiffer, stronger, more ductile and performed better than welded double angles. Also, it was found that due to deterioration of the angles, as a result of large axial cyclic displacements, the angles may fail under the effect of shear due to gravity. Recommendations are formulated to treat this and other failure modes in design.