Double-angle shear connections with small hollow structural section columns

This paper describes an experimental study on double-angle shear connections when used with small-size hollow structural section columns. Twelve connection specimens were tested to confirm the practice of either fitting the connection angles to the narrow column face by shortening the outstanding legs or by employing flare bevel groove welds. Test results demonstrated that both rotational and shear resistances of the connections were satisfactory when either of the two details was used. In the meantime, the flare bevel groove welds, made by a gas metal arc welding process, were also tested for the purpose of determining their effective throat.