Simple beam connections in combined shear and tension

Abstract

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.

Quantifying and Enhancing Robustness in Steel Structures: Part 1--Moment-Resisting Frames

“…Similar testing with extended end plate connections have also occurred (Girhammar, 1980a). Relatively recent testing on simple beam connections (Guravich and Dawe, 2006) provide information on the likely capacities for simple framing connections when subjected to combined shear and tension loading.…”