Experimental monotonic and cyclic behaviour of blind-bolted angle connections

This paper deals with the experimental behaviour of blind-bolted angle connections between open beams and tubular columns. A number of connection configurations with different geometric arrangements and bolt properties are examined. The experimental set-up, connection details and material properties are first described. A detailed account of the results and observations from seventeen monotonic and cyclic connection tests is then presented, and the main behavioural aspects are discussed. The specimens include connections with top and seat angles as well as others in which web angles are also incorporated. The experimental results offer direct information on the influence of important geometric and material properties, such as angle dimensions, column face thickness, gauge length and bolt class, on the key response characteristics including stiffness, strength, energy dissipation and failure mechanism. Based on the findings, simplified approaches through which the initial stiffness and yield parameters can be estimated, are assessed. The test results also provide essential data for the future validation of detailed numerical and analytical studies which can be employed for further assessment of the response, with a view to the development of design-oriented procedures.

[1]  Ulf Wickström,et al.  Comments on calculation of temperature in fire-exposed bare steel structures in prEN 1993-1-2: Eurocode 3—design of steel structures—Part 1–2: general rules—structural fire design , 2005 .

[2]  R Maquoi,et al.  Beam-column welded stud connections☆ , 1984 .

[3]  Luís Filipe da Costa Neves.  Comportamento monotónico e cíclico de ligações de eixo fraco e tubulares em estruturas metálicas e mistas aço-betão , 2004 .

[4]  Jiangang Shen,et al.  HYSTERETIC BEHAVIOR OF BOLTED – ANGLE CONNECTIONS , 1999 .

[5]  Jiangang Shen,et al.  Hysteresis model of bolted-angle connections , 2000 .

[6]  J. Buick Davison,et al.  Strength and rotational stiffness of simple connections to tubular columns using flowdrill connectors , 1999 .

[7]  Richard Sause,et al.  CYCLIC LOAD TESTS AND ANALYSIS OF BOLTED TOP-AND-SEAT ANGLE CONNECTIONS , 2003 .

[8]  S Klippel.  Recent Design Developments with Blind Mechanically Operated Bolt Systems for Use with Hollow Section Steelwork , 1998 .

[9]  John B. Mander,et al.  Experimental & Analytical Study of Low-Cycle Fatigue Behavior of Semi-Rigid Top-and-Seat Angle Connections , 1994 .

[10]  J A Packer,et al.  Longitudinal Plate and through Plate-to-Hollow Structural Section Welded Connections , 2003 .

[11]  J. L. Dawe,et al.  W-SHAPE BEAM TO RHS COLUMN CONNECTIONS , 1990 .

[12]  Amr S. Elnashai,et al.  RESPONSE OF SEMIRIGID STEEL FRAMES TO CYCLIC AND EARTHQUAKE LOADS , 1998 .

[13]  J. Buick Davison,et al.  Strength and rotational response of moment connections to tubular columns using flowdrill connectors , 1999 .

[14]  Jeffrey A. Packer,et al.  Welded Tee-to-HSS Connections , 2003 .

[15]  J. A. Packer,et al.  Design Guidelines for Longitudinal Plate to HSS Connections , 1998 .

[16]  Ahmed Ghobarah,et al.  Blind Bolting W‐Shape Beams to HSS Columns , 1993 .

[17]  Y. Kurobane.  Connections in tubular structures , 2002 .

[18]  Panagiotis J. Madas,et al.  Advanced modelling of composite frames subject to earthquake loading , 1993 .

[19]  M. Piazza,et al.  Shear capacity of blind bolted connections for RHS steel structural elements , 1996 .

[20]  David A. Nethercot,et al.  The Practice of Blind Bolting Connections to Structural Hollow Sections: A Review , 2001 .

[21]  Richard N. White,et al.  Framing Connections for Square Structural Tubing , 1966 .