Response of double angle and shear endplate connections at elevated temperatures

Abstract

Double angle and shear endplate connections are considered simple-beam end framing connections designed to carry gravity loads only. However, during a fire event, additional thermal induced axial forces might develop in the beam and cause failure of the connection. This paper presents the results of finite element (FE) simulations on double angle and shear endplate connections assemblies in fire. FE simulations are validated against experimental results of double angle and shear endplate connections at elevated temperature. A detailed comparison of the variation of the axial force during the heating and cooling phases of a fire is made between the two connections covering the following parameters: load ratio, beam length, and double angle and shear endplate thickness and location. The results can help future design guidelines to account for the thermal induced forces and deformations in double angle and shear endplate connections during a fire. © 2016, Korean Society of Steel Construction and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.