Single-Angle Compression Members with Both Legs Bolted at the Ends: Design Implications from an Experimental Study

Single-angle compression members are widely used in civil structures. However, determination of the compressive strength of a single-angle compression member based on the classic stability theory and with an explicit consideration of the loading eccentricity is onerous, lengthy, and impractical for design. Although the approximate effective slenderness ratios recommended in current standards help simplify the design process, these recommendations do not cover single-angle compression members with both legs bolted at the ends (which can be a design alternative to angle members with other end conditions). Focusing on angle members with equal legs, we tested 47 specimens to generate a result database for the compressive strengths of single-angle compression members with both legs bolted at the ends. The test results suggest that existing design provisions, together with the effective length factors associated with the ideal end conditions, may not be the best options for design of single-angle compression members with both legs bolted at the ends. Based on the test results, an empirical model was developed to determine the effective slenderness ratios of single-angle members with both legs bolted at the ends. The model is compatible with existing design documents. Analysis results show that the proposed model provides reasonable predictions and can be used for future design.