Experimental study on beam-to-column clip angle bolted connection

The effectiveness of the clip angle bolted connection between CFS (Cold-formed steel)beam-to-column under shear is investigated in the present study. A total of thirty-one specimens were tested under four-point bending configuration to study the behavior of beam-to-column clip angle connection using bolts. The parameters considered in the experimental study are clip angle thickness and aspect ratio of the clip angle leg connected to the column. The test results indicate that the aspect ratio (L/B)of the clip angle leg plays a significant role in governing the ultimate strength, stiffness and failure mode of the connection. Two different failure modes were observed namely (i)local buckling failure at an aspect ratio (L/B)less than 0.8 and (ii)distortional buckling failure at an aspect ratio (L/B)greater than 0.8 in the clip angle leg connected to the column. An improved design equation for the clip angle bolted connection is proposed and validated with the previous studies from the literature. The proposed design equations for clip angle bolted connection were conservative compared with experimental test results. In addition, a shift in the anchor point (compact limit)i.e., reduction in the slenderness ratio (λ)is suggested for limiting the shear resistance of clip angle bolted connection. Further, reliability studies were carried out to determine the resistance and safety factors for the connections not listed in Table F1 of AISI S100-12 based on the current study and test results from the literature. The suggested design method will be applicable and conservative for the material yield strength up to 550 MPa