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Abstract
Single plate shear connections with extra-long slots are commonly used at interfaces between concrete cores and steel framing. Differences in construction tolerances require compensation at these interfaces and this difference is often accounted for in the connection by using extra-long slots. However, there is an extremely limited body of knowledge on the effect these long slots have on this type of connection. This report seeks to begin contributing to the knowledge and offer recommendations for future work by examining the effect of varied slot spacing on the connection.
To study this connection, an experimental program consisting of specimens with varied spacings of 3.0 in. [76 mm], 3.5 in. [89 mm], 4.0 in. [102 mm], and 4.5 in. [114 mm] center to center were used. The tests were carried out under monotonic loading and global displacement data were analyzed to determine a tested capacity for each specimen.
The results of the experimental program indicate a positive correlation between slot spacing and connection capacity – as the slot spacing increased, the capacity of the connection increases. The results of this study are limited though and offer a starting point for this work. Future research studying different parameters of the connection such as plate thickness, number of bolt rows, and end distances should be carried out as well as developing a more accurate calculation of the capacity and creating an inelastic finite element model to observe behavior of the connection not measurable in experimental testing.