Vol. 22, No. 4, pp. 368-382 (2026)
MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR AND YIELD-LINE-BASED DESIGN OF
THROUGH-CORE BOLTED HSSC ANGLE JOINTS
Feng Zhu 1, Sen Li 1, Yun-Tao Shang 2, Han-Song Zhang 2, Jie Kong 2 and Le-Le Sun 2, *
1 College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Shandong Business Institute, Yantai, Shandong Province 264670, China
2 Yantai Research Institute, Harbin Engineering University, Yantai, Shandong Province 264006, China
*(Corresponding author: E-mail:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
Received: 21 August 2025; Revised: 3 January 2026; Accepted: 4 January 2026
DOI:10.18057/IJASC.2026.22.4.2
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ABSTRACT
Combined bolted angle beam to column joint had the advantages of high bearing capacity and considerable deformation capacity, which are desirable characteristics for semi-rigid connections considered in earthquake-resistant frame structures. This paper focuses on the fundamental bending performance and design of a novel connection type that using through-core bolts to connect the angle and hollow square section column (HSSC). The bending performance was simulated using the verified finite element model (FEM) by means of monotonic loading, and the parametric analysis included angle flange thickness, angle steel strength, bolt vertical distance, stiffening rib position, thickness, shape, and number and double web angles. The results showed that angle flange thickness, steel strength, and bolt vertical distance had significant impact on bearing capacity of joints and the parameter of stiffening rib had little effect on initial stiffness. For unstiffened angle joints, the pattern of yield line was three straight lines located at the root of angle flange, angle web, and throughout bolt holes, respectively. It can be changed to two circular arc curves by setting stiffening ribs, which increased the bearing capacity of joints obviously. The web angle only formed yield line in tension zone and the pattern was the same as top angle. Three types of design method were proposed for unstiffened angle, stiffened angle, and web angle joints, respectively, by referring to the yield line theory given in Eurocode 3 and P398. Compared with results obtained from FEM, the calculated values were highly consistent with, demonstrating the reliability of the formula.
KEYWORDS
Angle connection, Beam-column joint, Numerical simulation, Bending performance, Design method
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