A Generic Design Approach for the Ultimate Shear Strength of the CFS Welded Moment Beam-to-Beam Connection

Abstract

This paper reports on the shear performance of a cold-formed steel (CFS) beam-to-beam moment welded moment connection with 28 laboratory tests. The tested moment connection comprises a welded CFS 90° clip angle (CA) and a flat-shaped CFS flange strip (FS) that connects the web and flange portions of the beam members. The observed failure modes in the tested samples, namely, (1) tearing failure; and (2) local buckling of the welded CA are classified based on the aspect ratio of the CA. A detailed parametric study was conducted on the ultimate shear strength of the welded moment connection for the variation in the thickness, width, and depth of the CA. The effect of the FS in improving the shear strength of the chosen welded moment connection over the welded shear connection was quantified, and design guidelines were suggested. Two design methods, namely, (1) empirical approach, which is specific only for the chosen moment connection, and (2) generic design approach, which applies to shear and moment connections, have been proposed. In this study, CFS welded moment connections are compared with CFS welded shear connections, and design recommendations are suggested.