Numerical study of top-and seat-angle with double web-angle connection with high-strength steel

Abstract

Past experimental research on top-and seat-angle with double web-angle connection (TSACW) was limited by the rate and magnitude of actuator displacement and hence results did not give information on failure mode and ultimate capacities of connection. Furthermore, extensive literature review on TSACW revealed the need for developing an accurate finite element approach to represent the characteristics of the moment-rotation behavior. Therefore, this study examined the influence of connection parameters on flexural resistance, stiffness, rotation, ductility and failure modes obtained for such joints. Explicit Finite element (FE) analyses of connection models were carried out by using ABAQUS/CAE to explore the effect of material properties of bolts and angles on moment-rotation (M-ϕ) characteristics of TSACW under monotonic loading. Applicability of six currently available M-ϕ functions was assessed by comparing them with those obtained from FE analyses. In most cases, the ultimate flexural resistance of TSACW was increased whilst its rotational capacity was decreased with the use of A572 or A514 angles with less pronounced effect on the initial stiffness. The connection failure was controlled via large deformations achieved by the top angle. Among the six selected M-ϕ functions, Richard-Abbott model was found suitable for fitting the normalized moment-rotation curves for TSACW joints.