Tension and shear block failure of bolted gusset plates

Abstract

Despite the large database of test results for tension and shear block failure in gusset plates, the exact progression of the failure mechanism is not clear. Although current design equations predict the capacity of gusset plates fairly well, it is important for a design equation to not only predict the capacity reliably but also reflect the failure mode accurately. Recent experimental and numerical research has indicated that current design equations do not always predict the failure behaviour accurately. A finite element model was therefore developed to predict the sequence of events that leads to the tear-out of a block of material from a bolted gusset plate in tension. The model was developed to provide a useful tool for studying tension and shear block failure in gusset plates and other structural elements. This paper presents the development of the finite element model and procedure for prediction of tension and shear block failure in gusset plates. Making use of the finite element model, the database of test results is also expanded to include gusset plates with a larger number of transverse lines of bolts than what has been obtained experimentally. A reliability analysis is used to assess several design equations, including the equation adopted in CAN/CSA-S16-01 and a unified equation proposed recently for several types of bolted connections. From this work, a limit states design equation is proposed for gusset plates.Key words: gusset plate, limit states design, reliability, shear rupture, tension rupture, finite element analysis, failure criterion.