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Abstract
A common connection for steel members framing into concrete walls consists of a
single plate with long-slotted holes welded to an embed plate. This connection accounts
for the different construction tolerances allowed by the two materials, providing space for
the structural members during erection. While these connections are frequently used in
practice, the amount of information available to understand how the long slots affect the
behavior of the single plate is limited. The purpose of this experimental research initiative
is to contribute information on the connection’s behavior to aid in the development of a
design procedure.
The experimental program consisted of twenty test specimens which incorporated
two variables: slot spacing and bolt group position. This project focuses on effects of the
five different bolt group positions within the slotted holes. These specimens were loaded
in shear while qualitative and quantitative data were gathered on plate displacement, plate
capacity, and flexural and bearing behavior.
The results from the analysis show a correlation between the bolt group position
and connection capacity: as the bolt group was positioned closer to the weld, the
connection capacity increased; as the bolts were positioned farthest from the weld, the
capacity decreased. A correlation between the bolt group position and the flexural and
bearing behavior of the plate was observed as well; greater flexural behavior was
observed at bolt group positions farthest from the weld, while greater bearing behavior
was observed at bolt group positions closest to the weld. However, the information
gathered in this project was limited, and further experimentation should be pursued to
further contribute to the understanding of this connection’s behavior.