Parametric investigation of the buckling performance of metal-plate-connected joints

A comprehensive analytic study has been conducted to investigate the instab ility problems of metal-plate-connected (MPC) joints in light frame trusses . The primary objective in this study is to determine the governing factors that constitute the buckling of the metal connectors and their effects on the structural response of joints. The numeric data presented in this paper has emerged from a broad base that was founded on over 350 advanced computer simulations, and was supported b y available experimental results obtained by others. This basic-to-applied research includes practical engineering parameters such as size of gaps, sh ear lengths, gauge o connectors, size of unbraced areas, failure modes, and progressive disintegration of joints. Square-end members have been emphasi zed though the results cover the custom-made fitted joints. The results indicate that chord shears cause and dominate the buckling of M PC joints, and the shear length has a more pronounced effect than the size of gaps. Further, large gauges and small unbraced areas improve the bucklin g response. Several practical recommendations have been suggested throughou t the paper. The study reveals that the engineering of single web-to-chord MPC joints should not be interpreted for multi-area joints, even where one web is in tension and the other in compression. Finally, the results obtain ed from this study favorably agree with experimental data by others, and th e classic buckling theories for other structural components. (C) 2000 Elsev ier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.