The behavior of top and seat bolted angle connections under blast loading

Abnormal loading generated by blast or impact may cause local damage in a building that may evolve to affect the whole structural system. Therefore, structures have to be designed to prevent such disproportional consequences. Connection is an important contributor to ductility and robustness of the structural steel systems in mitigating such consequences. Considering this importance, finite element analysis is used in this paper to study the behavior of top and seat bolted angle connections under blast loading. The two frequent angle connections including top and seat angle bolted connections with and without web angles are studied using the ANSYS finite element software. The finite element models are verified by comparing the predicted results obtained from the models and the values measured in the experimental tests. Simplified blast loading is then applied to the verified connection models and the behavior of these connections under blast loads is evaluated with the connection critical areas being determined. The connection failure modes as well as the applicability of the connection under blast loading are briefly discussed.

Research highlights
► Abnormal loading generated by blast or impact may cause local damage in a building.
► Finite element is used to study the behavior of bolted connections under blast.
► Behavior under blast loads is evaluated and the critical areas are determined.
► Stiffness and strength of connection is higher in vertical direction than horizontal.
► These types of connections have ductile behavior under blast loading.