Numerical Analysis of shear block in tension gusset plate connections

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Abstract

Accuracy in the design and implementation of the connections as joint elements, similar to main building elements, is of importance and each type of defects in these elements could leads to irrecoverable consequences. In this regard, gusset plate connections are a common type of connections which are of significant importance especially in structures with bracing system. Block shear is failure mechanism in these connections by which a piece of part or a block of materials in the connection fails due to the combination of tensile and shear forces. In the current study, block shear mechanism of gusset plate in welded connections is investigated using finite element simulation by ABAQUS software considering the effects of both material and geometrical nonlinearity. Also, the Effects of connection’s parameters such as welds arrangement, plate thickness, weld region length, existence and absence of transverse weld and single or double type of tension part in the behaviour of connection are studied. Results are indicating that in both single and double connections, magnitude of longitudinal weld is mainly important in the way that it could improve the connection’s strength before the formation of plastic areas. The general behavior of the joint in the two states of presence and absence of transverse weld in the tensile region is very close to each other and the level of force corresponding to the start of yield in the joint plate is almost the same in both joints. Increasing the thickness of the sheet in double joints has a greater effect on the force corresponding to the yield of the sheet, while the effect of thickness on the maximum bearing force of the joint has been almost the same in both cases.

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