07.11: Rotational behavior of cold formed steel beams connected through clip angles

Abstract

Cold -formed steel (CFS) members are gaining importance as a material of choice for low-rise residential construction in the developing world. The floor system used in such structures are constructed using CFS beams in a grid pattern. The CFS beams are typically connected utilizing clip angles whose rotation and ductility behavior is the focus of the present research. A total of 24 numbers of beam to beam connections with different connection configurations were tested to investigate the performance of clip angle connections concerning moment and rotational stiffness. The connection configuration parameters studied include four different aspect ratios for loaded leg, 3 different aspect ratios for anchored leg and two different thickness of clip angle. It was observed that the ultimate load of the clip angle bolted connection depends on the thickness and aspect ratios of clip angle. The maximum rotational stiffness value was obtained in the connection configuration 1.5 1X3.2-3. The rotational stiffness versus percentage of ultimate moment depends on the anchored leg aspect ratio. The strain deformation measured in both legs of the clip angle and on both sides of the member connection between the loaded member and anchored member and on the anchored member helps to describe the clip angle behavior and loaded CFS member.