Gusset plate connections under monotonic and cyclic loading

Abstract

A numerical investigation of the monotonic and cyclic behaviour of steel gusset plate connections is conducted using a nonlinear finite element model. Successive versions of the model, which include the effects of framing member stiffness, nonlinear material behaviour, initial imperfections, and bolt slip, are formulated and validated by comparison with test results. A parametric study is then conducted to examine the effects of the load sequence and the interaction between the gusset plate and the brace member under cyclic loading. This investigation demonstrates that the cyclic behaviour of gusset plate connections can be modelled accurately using a simplified finite element model. Gusset plate – brace member subassemblies, wherein the gusset plate is designed as the weak element in compression rather than the brace member, are shown to have stable behaviour under cyclic loading and better energy absorption characteristics than similar subassemblies with the brace member designed as the weak element in compression.Key words: steel, connections, gusset plates, cyclic loading, concentric bracing, buckling.