Mechanical behavior evaluation of stainless steel anchor channels with channel bolts under uniaxial tension

Abstract

Stainless steel anchor channels with channel bolts (SSAC-CBs) provide reliable and flexible fastening for connecting steel fixtures to concrete members subjected to atmospheric or permanently damp internal conditions such as those found in industrial and residential buildings. This study performed static tensile tests to evaluate the mechanical performance of SSAC-CBs (without considering concrete embedment) including their failure modes, load-carrying capacities, ductilities, and strain responses. A total of 30 SSAC-CB specimens were fabricated and tested by varying the tensile loading location, channel type, stainless steel grade, and anchor-to-channel connection configuration. The specimens presented four failure modes: bending deformation of the channel, fracture at the weld connecting the I-shaped anchor to the channel back, localized yielding of the channel lips, and yielding of the anchor. The ductility factors of the specimens were between 5.54 and 9.99 with an average of 7.29, and their peak-to-yield load ratios varied from 1.30 to 2.32. These results indicate that all SSAC-CB assemblies exhibited adequate tensile strength and safety potential as well as the potential for plastic development. Finite element models of the SSAC-CBs were established and validated against the experimental results. Parameter analysis was subsequently conducted to investigate the influence of key parameters on the tensile behaviors of SSAC-CBs, indicating that the thicknesses of the channel web and lips significantly affected the load-bearing capacity and failure mode. When tensile load was applied at the channel midspan, the anchor spacing had a significant effect on the load-bearing capacity and initial stiffness, whereas it had a minor effect on the same when loaded above the anchor. Finally, the restraint of channel deformation by neighboring spans enhanced the load-bearing capacity and thus had a positive effect on the tensile responses of SSAC-CBs.