Improved Ductility Design of Bolted Double-Angle Shear Connections

Structural steel simple shear connections must satisfy strength requirements while providing adequate ductility. Although strength design has established limit states, providing adequate rotational ductility within a shear connection is less rigorous. Neglecting to provide adequate ductility can potentially cause premature sudden failure and, consequently, an unsafe connection. In this paper, an improved rotational ductility design formula based on the current approach outlined in 2011 by the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) is developed. In this modified approach, additional design parameters for bolt pitch and tensile strength are included. The ductility design is formulated for determining maximum framing-angle thickness and minimum bolt-diameter requirements. The proposed design approach is discussed and compared with the current design approach of the AISC.