Behavior and analysis of bracing connections for steel frames

Abstract

Abstract This paper presents the second part of the results of a study devoted to the analysis of heavy steel bracing connections, and to the effects of those connections on the behavior of braced frames subjected to static loads. The paper deals initially with the finite element analysis of one type of bracing connection, in which the structural fasteners such as bolted clip angles and fillet welds are modeled using the two-dimensional nodal interface element developed in a previous companion paper. Next, two series of full-scale tests of bracing connections subjected to tensile loading are described and the responses measured during the tests compared with the predictions. Good agreement was found between tests and predictions when the overall performance of the bracing connection is not strongly influenced by slip in the bolted fasteners. Lastly, one series of tests on beam-to-column connections made up of friction-bolted double clip angles is presented to validate the finite element model for this type of connection. Once validated, the finite element analysis is used to derive fundamental bracing connection flexibilities and the relative strength interaction domain to be used in a companion paper.