Static Design Recommendations for Slotted End HSS Connections in Tension

Abstract

The design of slotted end hollow structural section connections in tension, according to the philosophy behind contemporary specifications [ANSI/AISC 360-05, CAN/CSA-S16-01, and EN 1993-1-8; 2005 (E)], requires checking several limit states to determine the connection capacity. From published data for these types of connections by the writers and other international researchers, a review and analysis of all prior work in this field has been made, with a focus on the current AISC specification. As a result, a new procedure for determining the capacity of such connections in tension is presented, which is shown to be a significant improvement over current international design provisions. Moreover, it is also shown to be applicable to elliptical, square, and rectangular hollow sections.