Research on Initial Stiffness of Top-and-Seat Angle Semirigid Connections

Abstract

Based on the mechanical characteristics, deformation characteristics of top-and-seat angle semirigid connections, the initial stiffness of the connections were studied. The initial stiffness were derived theoretically with component method. Analytical formulas and fitted formulas were obtained, and these formulas were analysed comparatively with test data and FEA results. The results of the research indicated that the initial stiffness of top-and-seat angle semirigid connections were expressed accurately by the fitted formula in the paper, and fit accurately with test data and FEA results. The results provided good condition for practical calculation method of such semirigid connections.