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Abstract
The construction and engineering fields have long used simple shear connections such as single plates, single angles, and t-sections as supports for framing members in steel framed structures due to their relative simplicity and cost effectiveness of fabrication and erection. Historically these connections have been thought to support vertical shear loads exclusively; however, knowledge of their ability to support axial forces and moments has been speculated but seldom verified.
The purpose of this research is to provide observations and numerical verification of the single plate “Shear Tab” connection’s ability to support the combination of shear, axial, and moment forces as a result of a simulated column failure. This research presents a historical background of the single plate connection’s development along with providing insight into the connection’s ability to utilize catenary action as an inherent secondary load transfer mechanism.
Nine full scale tests simulating an interior column failure have been conducted for various depths of single plate connections. Shear, axial, and moment forces, as well as beam end rotation values have been derived from experimentally measured strain and deflection data to provide numerical evidence of the various observed connection rupture failures. A preliminary bolt force analysis technique has been developed to provide an understanding of the connection’s behavior prior to failure as well as to provide comparisons between the observed failure mechanisms and those expected using the current steel specification.
This research has shown the single plate connection has a low level ability to transform from a shear and flexural response to catenary tension. The experimental data suggest the shear tab connection alone could not support its intended design level shear load in the event of a catastrophic loss of a supporting column.