A study of behavior of horizontal knee connections

Abstract

The design of connection between main structural elements (beams and columns) plays an important role in the behavior and overall design integrity of the steel structure. In pre engineered rigid frames, the junction of beam and column is called knee area and the connection between beam and column is called knee connection. In this study, an experimental and analytical investigation was conducted to study the behavior of two types of horizontal knee connections. Five horizontal knee connection specimens were tested using cantilever test set up. Experimental investigation was conducted to obtain the moment-rotation data, to measure strain in tension bolts and to measure the strain distribution at different cross section along the knee area of the beam during elastic stage. Load-deflection behavior and rotation of the connection at knee area of the specimens were also recorded. The analytical investigation focused on elastic analysis as well as the limit states of end-plate yielding and bolt rupture. Yield line analysis and bolt force equations provided in AISC design guide were used to determine limit states of end-plate yielding and bolt rupture. Finite element modeling of the tested connections were also done using ANSYS program as a part of analytical investigation. A good agreement was found by comparing the experimental and analytical results.