OUT-OF-PLANE BEHAVIOR OF COLUMN SKIN PLATE IN RHS COLUMN-TO-SPLIT-T TENSILE CONNECTION WITH HIGH-STRENGTH BOLTS

Abstract

In order to design RHS (rectangular hollow section) column-to-H beam connection with split-T stubs, out-of-plane deformation of column plate should be considered, which causes semi-rigidity of the connection. Estimation of yield and ultimate strengths of the connection is derived from plastic analysis by assuming yield and collapse mechanisms concerning out-of-plane deformation of the column skin plate and stretch of the high-strength bolts. The assumed mechanisms and analytical estimation of strengths of the connection are verified by finite element analysis. The analytical estimation of strengths is also verified by comparing with the results of previous experimental studies by tensile tests of the connection.