03.36: Skewed extended shear tab connections: Behavior, analysis and parametric study

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe objective of this study is to investigate the behavior of skewed extended shear tab connections with different support conditions: In which plate (shear tab) is welded to supporting member webs (flexible supports). And with the plate is welded to the supporting member flanges (rigid supports). The finite element analysis software ABAQUS was used to model different configurations for these connections. It was concluded that the connection orientation have significant effect on the connection torsional stability for the case with flexible supports. And there is a need to develop a unique design procedure for these connections. A parametric study was performed to develop a design procedure for skewed extended shear tab connections based on results obtained from finite element analysis for 300 models with different configurations. The variable parameters used for this study are: plate thickness, the a‐distance between the weld line and the bolt line, skewed angle, and number of bolts. These parameters were investigated in terms of the connection vertical displacement, plate twist along the bolt line, plate twist along the weld line, and the connection shear capacity. Modifications to the current connection lateral stability checks in the literature will also be addressed. The proposed design procedure on this study is specific procedure for the skewed extended shear tab connections. This procedure is compared with the current design procedure in the AISC Manual 14th edition.