Capacity analysis of gusset plate connections using the Whitmore, block shear, global section shear, and finite element methods

► FE model response matched stress contours from original 1952 Whitmore experiment. ► Gusset plate in FE model of Whitmore’s connection was stronger than the members. ► FHWA direct tension method conservatively estimates FEM performance. ► Stress contours of FEA at capacity indicated that block shea...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Engineering structures 2013-03, Vol.48, p.543-557
Main Authors: Rosenstrauch, Paul L., Sanayei, Masoud, Brenner, Brian R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Abaqus
Applied sciences
Block shear failure
Blocking
Bolted connection
Bolting
Bolts
Bridges
Building failures (cracks, physical changes, etc.)
Buildings
Buildings. Public works
Durability. Pathology. Repairing. Maintenance
Exact sciences and technology
External envelopes
Finite element model
Gusset plate
Gusset plates
Joints
Load rating
Mathematical models
Planes
Shear
Stress distribution
Stresses. Safety
Structural analysis. Stresses
Truss bridge
Whitmore section
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:► FE model response matched stress contours from original 1952 Whitmore experiment. ► Gusset plate in FE model of Whitmore’s connection was stronger than the members. ► FHWA direct tension method conservatively estimates FEM performance. ► Stress contours of FEA at capacity indicated that block shear failure could occur. ► The FE model’s failure mechanism was shearing across the gross horizontal plane. The 2007 collapse of the I-35W Bridge in Minneapolis, Minnesota led to additional load rating requirements for gusset plates. The Federal Highway Administration provided the direct tension and block shear methods to assess tensile capacity for use in load rating, as well as a mechanics based method to assess shear capacity on critical planes. However, the three methods provide limited information about ultimate behavior for complex connections. Using finite elements, the authors modeled the connection from Whitmore’s 1952 study to evaluate the plate capacity and failure mechanism. The analysis showed that the direct tension method was conservative, but predicted neither capacity nor behavior. Model performance corresponded well with the critical block shear capacity load in the left diagonal, and shear capacity on the gross horizontal plane. Yielding on this plane began around critical bolt holes and spread to either side of the plate, forming the critical failure mechanism.
ISSN:0141-0296
1873-7323
DOI:10.1016/j.engstruct.2012.08.032