Behavior of T-stub steel connections bolted to rigid bases

摘要

This paper presents a comprehensive experimental and numerical study of the structural behavior of bolted T-Stub connections when fixed on a rigid base. The acting forces on the T-Stub bolts are investigated in this research taking into consideration the prying action associated with the variations of T-Stub geometry and bolt positions. Twelve experimental tests were conducted as well as extensive Finite Element (FE) studies. T-Stub resistance was investigated using parametric studies with different: (a) bolt positions, (b) dimensions and thicknesses, and (c) resultant contact forces. The contact between T-Stub connection parts and material and geometrical nonlinearities were taken into account. The FE results were found to be very close compared to the experimental tests. Different T-Stub resistance predictions provided by the Eurocode-3 and the AISC codes were evaluated. Such codes were found to be inaccurate in predicting the resistance of T-Stubs. The thickness and position of the bolts are important factors that influence the force on the bolt shafts and heads, which affects the T-Stub collapse resistance when it is fixed on a rigid base.