No abstract

The tension and compression zones of moment plate connections were studied separately by testing branch plate and hollow structural section connections under each type of loading. Square hollow section flanges were reinforced by doubler plates fillet-welded all around. The results from 13 specimens tested in tension indicate that branch plate to reinforcing plate width ratio is an important parameter in joint behaviour. The dominant failure mode was punching shear of the reinforcing plate. The importance of reinforcing plate and HSS wall thicknesses was apparent from the results of 13 specimens tested in the compression series. The capacities of specimens in all but one test in this series were limited by failure of the HSS webs.

An investigation into the behaviour of simple beam-to-column connections subjected to combined shear and tension was carried out by testing 108 full-scale specimens, including header angle, knife angle, single angle, and shear tab configurations. Specimens were rotated 0.03 rad, and a prescribed shear between zero and the design shear resistance was held constant while the specimens were loaded in tension to failure. Results showed significant differences in serviceability, ductility, interactions, and ultimate tension strength. Ductility was provided through yielding in bearing at bolt holes, bending of angle legs, and shear yielding of the gross section of connection elements. Tension and shear load versus displacement plots were acquired for all tests because of ductility and serviceability considerations in design. Existing methods of determining connection resistance, including bolt shear, net section shear, and bearing resistance, were used to compare predicted capacity with test results. The findings of the test program indicate that most simple connections can sustain significant amounts of tension in combination with design shear capacity.Key words: beam, connections, shear, tension, experimental, design, steel.

No abstract