Static behaviour of I-beam to box-column connections with external stiffeners

Abstract

This paper is concerned with experimental investigations carried out to study the ultimate load behaviour of I-beam to box-column connections stiffened externally. Eight specimens were tested to failure under monotonically increasing load. Different types of stiffener (i.e., external T-stiffeners and angle stiffeners and internal continuity plate stiffeners) were considered in the studies. The connections in all cases were made by butt welding. Ultimate loadcarrying capacity and load-deflection characteristics of these specimens obtained experimentally are compared with the corresponding results obtained by using a non-linear finite element model. Comparisons are also made between the results for different types of stiffener. Different modes of failure for these specimens were observed. T-stiffeners are found to be the most efficient form.