Fillet Weld Groups Loaded with Out-of-Plane Eccentricity: Simulations and New Model for Strength Characterization
Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 139, Issue 3
Abstract
The strength of fillet weld groups, loaded with an out-of-plane eccentricity, is controlled by complex interactions of weld yielding, as well as bearing between the connected parts. Current models that characterize connection strength, including those used in North American design specifications, are highly conservative, leading to oversized welds. These models are phenomenological, because the internal stress distribution within the welds is difficult to characterize experimentally. A new model is proposed for characterizing the strength of these connections. The model is based on insights developed from sophisticated finite-element (FE) simulations that feature accurate measurements of weld profiles, multiaxial plasticity, and simulation of contact and gapping phenomena that strongly influence connection response. The FE simulations reveal that current models do not reflect key aspects of force transfer within the connection, especially on the compression side. The proposed model incorporates these insights by using stress profiles and mechanisms consistent with those implied by the FE simulations. The model is evaluated against 79 experiments from three test programs. It is determined that the new model greatly reduces the conservatism of the existing models, resulting in an average test-to-predicted ratio of 1.01. This is in contrast to previous models, for which the average test-to-predicted ratios are in the range of 1.33–1.77. The efficacy of the proposed model is analyzed with respect to various parameters, and its limitations are outlined.
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Acknowledgments
The authors are grateful to Professor Gilbert Grondin of the University of Alberta, Canada, for detailed discussions and collaboration in the development of the experiments referenced in this study and to Ivan Gomez of AIR Worldwide, San Francisco, California, for assistance in conducting the experiments. These experiments were funded by the AISC. The views expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not represent those of any sponsor or institution.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 139 • Issue 3 • March 2013
Pages: 305 - 319
Copyright
© 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Nov 28, 2011
Accepted: Apr 24, 2012
Published online: Apr 26, 2012
Published in print: Mar 1, 2013
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