Experimental study on bolted unstiffened seat angle connections

Seated-beam connections are occasionally used to attach a beam member to a column web or flange, particularly during construction. This paper presents the results of an experimental program that was designed to examine the fl exural behavior of bolted, unstiffened seated angle connections. The sensit ivity of several critical variables that influence the strength of the conn ection angle is reviewed. General descriptions of the test procedures and o bservations are presented, followed by a detailed discussion of the test va riables. The test results are compared with corresponding theoretical predi ctions to asses the accuracy of various analytical models. It was found tha t seat angle strength is significantly influenced by beam setback, angle th ickness, and the bolts that connect the angle to the flange of the supporti ng beam. Moreover, the strength of the seat angle can be accurately predict ed using a plastic hinge based analytical model that reflects the failure m ode.