Top-and-seat and web angle connections: prediction via mechanical model

In this paper an extension of Eurocode 3 Annex J is presented to simulate the behaviour of beam-to-column joints with specific reference to top-and-seat and web angle connections. A simplified mechanical model is proposed for this type of connection. The extension of EC3 Annex J derives from a remark in a previous study, where was demonstrated that the contributions of web cleats are not always negligible, The simplified model, which is suggested herein, derives from an oversimplification of the Eurocode 3. In this paper the extension of EC3 Annex J and the simplified mechanical model are compared with experimental results. The application of the simplified model, and its comparisons with experimental curves and the Eurocode application, have revealed the excellent quality of the simplified model with specific reference to the connections analysed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.