BLOCK SHEAR FAILURE OF BOLTED GUSSET PLATES

摘要

Despite the large database of test results on block shear in gusset plates, the exactrnprogression of the failure mechanism is not clear. Although current design equations predict the blockrnshear capacity of gusset plates fairly well, it is important for a design equation not only to predict therncapacity reliably, but also to predict accurately the failure mode. Current research at the University ofrnAlberta makes use of a non-linear finite element model to study the block shear behaviour in gussetrnplates. The model attempts to predict the sequence of events that leads to the tear-out of a block ofrnmaterial from a gusset plate in tension. The model is developed to provide a useful tool to study blockrnshear failure not only in gusset plates, but also in other members such as coped beams, angles, or tees,rnfor which there exists less test data. This paper presents the development of the finite element procedurernfor prediction of block shear failure in gusset plates.