A new joint/connection technology for shs steel structures

摘要

Connections in tubular structures such as square hollow sections (SHS) to end plates are commonly done by welding. Other schemes have also been tried but none have proven to be economical. Bolting is normally a preferred method in structural steel connections, but use of conventional high tension bolts in attachments of closed sections is not possible or practical. In this paper, an advanced joining technique, one side bolting (blind bolting), is introduced as a practical and economical method for joining of tubular structures. Furthermore, a connection system aimed at simplifying fabrication procedures for moment resisting steel frames is introduced. The "system" consists of H-beam(s) and end-plate(s) connected to SHS column with high strength one side bolts. A part of the SHS column, around the connection area, is reinforced by an increased wall thickness. This will prevent excessive out-of-plane deformation of the column walls from tensile or compressive forces exerted by the beam flange. Results of several bolt, connection and material tests are also presented.