Monotonic and cyclic tests on beam to column bolted connections with thermal insulation layer

Abstract

This paper deals with the mechanical performances of bolted connections with intermediate thermal insulation layer used to attach an external steel structure (balconies, passageways) to a steel facade. In the proposed solution, thermal bridging is significantly limited by inserting a PVC or plywood plate between an end-plate connection and a steel column. Static and cyclic tests are performed on a cantilever beam connected to a steel column in order to investigate the effect of the thermal insulation layer on the rotational stiffness, bending moment resistances and failure modes. These tests highlight that both the thermal insulation layer and the bolt arrangement (extended and flush end-plate, stiffeners, RHS or I profile) have a significant influence of the connection response.