Behavior Of Beam-To-Column Connections With Angles. Part 1-Experimental Investigations

In this paper, four specimens of steel beam to column joints with different configuration of bolted angle connections are experimentally tested. The specimens are double sided beam to column connections and are tested under bending loading conditions in order to investigate elastic and inelastic connection behaviour. The semi-rigid beam-to-column connections were subjected to monotonous static loading. The bolted beam-to-column connections are composed from top and seat angle connections with and without web angles as well as with stiffened top and seat angle cleats. The intent of the experimental investigations is to highlight the ability of the connections to maintain strength and to provide rotational capacity. The experimental results are evaluated with the measured force displacement data, from which the characteristic moment-rotation curves were established. The experimental results indicate the primary failure modes include member deformation. The moment-rotation relationship of the tested joints exhibits a significant inelastic nonlinear response. The paper concludes with the comparison of the tested joints in terms of strength and stiffness, highlighting the advantages and weaknesses of the studied joint typologies.