Behavior of Gusset Plates Connecting Angle Sections in Compression

This paper contains experimental and numerical study on the behavior of the gusset plate in compression. Gusset plate connections are usually used for the transfer of load from one member to another, they are generally used in bridge trusses and steel braced frames. However, due to lack of technical information regarding the behavior of the gusset plate under compression, these have been under research focus. It has been seen that the gusset plate shows a buckling failure by swaying on one side as there is no out of plane restraint. In this paper, a study is initiated aimed at the gusset plate connected with the angle section on a single side. Key items that were investigated in the study were strain, strength, and displacement. A total of 5 specimens were used for the experimental investigation. The parameters which were considered for the study, the number of bolt lines and the thickness of the gusset plate. Based on the experimental results of load and strain, a numerical model was developed and compared with experimental load-carrying capacity of plate and displacements. After going through the study unpredicted behavior was observed for the two-bolt line and suggestions were given accordingly.