Bolted angle members in compression –new design model including joint stiffness

Abstract

AbstractPrevious research activities at Graz University of Technology, highlighted the fact that the joint stiffness has substantial influence on the compression member capacity of bolted angles.Consequently, analytical models for the estimation of appropriate spring stiffness values have been developed for several practical applications in buildings and two‐bolt connections at both member's ends. The investigated connection details comprise a fixed gusset plate (e.g. as attachment to concrete walls), a joint to the flange of an I‐shaped girder and a joint to the web of an I‐shaped girder via a gusset plate. Based on that, a design model was developed for bolted angle members with rotational spring restraints at both member's ends and an eccentric compression loading N, in order to calculate the compression member capacity Nr.This paper presents the design model in detail. In addition, the background of the model is shown, with a comprehensive calibration and validation procedure based on real tests and numerous numerical tests, respectively. Based on that, also complex failure modes, such as lateral torsional buckling, can be covered by the proposed model.