X‐Bracing Anchorage Connection

Abstract

The ultimate strength of the commonly used anchorage connection for x‐bracing rods and cables is not documented in the literature from either analytical or experimental viewpoint. A comprehensive experimental laboratory testing program was executed to investigate the major parameters influencing the ultimate load‐carrying capacity of the anchorage connection detail. The tests covered four rod sizes and corresponding hillside washers, and three web thicknesses. Two methods of stiffening the web plate were used: a patch plate around the anchorage slotted hole and transverse web stiffener plates. Five failure modes were isolated and identified. A yield line, limit state design approach was used for formulating the analytical expressions for predicting the load‐carrying capacity and the failure mode. The derived expressions were found to predict very well the experimental test results. Repetitive tensile loadings beyond yielding of the anchorage connection were also used to test the anchorage connection later on in the experimental testing program. It was concluded that repetitive cyclic tension loading up to 20 cycles causes no serious deterioration to the ultimate strength of the x‐bracing connection.