Flexibility requirement of bolted double-angle shear connections

Abstract

This paper presents a series of experimental and analytical studies on the ductility requirements of bolted double-angle shear connections. Five full-scale connection configurations were tested, and their load-deformation behaviour was monitored using the digital image correlation technique. The yield line patterns observed from the experiments differ from the assumed pattern used in the derivation of the ductility equations currently available in design guidelines. The identified deformation contours were used as the basis for further development of analytical formulations applicable to the flexibility requirements of connections. The yield line theory was employed to evaluate the induced moment on the connections at the ultimate shear capacity. The details of the experimental setup including test parameters, loading scenarios, and the digital image correlation technique are fully outlined. Finally, the developed formulation was validated through a comparison with previously published experimental results. The results show the proposed solution provides an accurate estimation of the moments induced on double angle shear connections at ultimate capacity rotations.