Flexibility of bolted double-angle shear connections
Date
2019
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of New Brunswick
Abstract
This thesis examines the flexibility behaviour and ductility requirements of bolted double-angle shear connections. Based on the current American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) approach an improved rotational ductility design formula is proposed. An experimental procedure is developed to test bolted double-angle connections subjected to shear, tension, and combined shear and tension loads. Finally, a 3D finite element model of bolted double-angle connections subjected to shear loads is created and analyzed. In general, it was concluded that: (1) decreasing the angle length relative to the beam depth reduces connection rotational ductility; (2) the yield line pattern observed from the finite element model differed from the one used in the derivation of the current AISC ductility equation; (3) the proposed flexibility formula allows the connection designer to choose an approach that fits their design parameters, either selection of bolt size and evaluation of angle thickness or selection of angle thickness and calculation of minimum bolt diameter; and (4) a comparison with experimental results published by Lewitt et al. (1969) showed that the proposed expression produced strong agreement with experimental results.