INVESTIGATION OF TENSION BRACE CONNECTIONS IN EXISTING STEEL GYMNASIUM AND EVALUATION ON ULTIMATE STRENGTH OF FILLET WELDED GUSSET PLATE CONNECTION

Details of gusset-plate connections in existing steel gymnasiums such as shapes of gusset plates and connection details were investigated to point out matters affecting ultimate strength of fillet welded gusset plate connection. Based on the results of investigation, a series of tensile loading tests of gusset plate connections were conducted. From test results, effects of details of gusset-plate connection on ultimate strength were discussed. Moreover, applicability of existing evaluation methods for ultimate strength of fillet welded gusset-plate connection was evaluated.