ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OF UNSTIFFENED SEAT ANGLE CONNECTION

Abstract

In this work, the finite element analysis of the unstiffened seat angle connection was established using the general purpose finite element program, ANSYS. The seat angle was assumed to be welded by two lines to the supporting column whereas the supported beam was not fastened to the seat angle to mimic the case of frequently used temporary construction connections. Both geometric and material non-linearities were incorporated in the analysis to include effect of deformations on straining actions and residual stresses on material constitutive relation. The non-linear effect of gap opening between seat angle and supported beam was included in the finite element analysis by introducing contact elements between the beam flange and seat angle that can support compressive stresses only.