From the late 1970s through the early 1990s fully welded beam-column connections were considered to be the connection of choice in moment resisting structural frames, especially in seismic regions. During the Northridge and Kobe earthquakes, however, fully welded connections suffered significant damage. Although improvements in welding methods and advancements in materials may help to improve the overall performance of welded connections, bolted connections provide an attractive alternative. The primary objective of the thesis is to provide recommendations for determination of the strength of clip angle connections. This objective were achieved by conducting an examination of the clip angle test data that was acquired during Subtask 7.03 of the SAC Research Project with regard to strength characteristics. The results of 10 component clip angle tests were presented and evaluated based on their strength characteristics. Several existing strength models are evaluated for accuracy and simple modifications were proposed. The examination included evaluations of current design procedures included in the AISC LRFD specification (1994), the Eurocode (1993), Chen, W. F. Model and Modified Kulak Model. The results are used to compare several existing strength models that govern the failure modes of including tension bolt fracture, mixed model failure and flange mechanism.

Here's the link to the .pdf:

http://search.ohiolink.edu/etd/send-pdf.cgi/GAO%20XIAOJIANG.pdf?ucin1134401462

Enjoy the reading! ;)

Respectfully,
Henry