Limit analysis for stiffened eight-bolted base plate connections in EHV transmission towers

Theoretical models based on yield-line theory are presented for predicting the ultimate uplift capacity of stiffened eight-bolted base plate (EBBP) connections in EHV transmission tower. Based on the test observations, the four models for rigid connections consider combined effects of the base plate, stiffeners and anchor bolts and the model for flexible connections merely considers the base plate. The presented models are validated using experimental data from an associated test program and compared with the results calculated by methods in a corresponding code, and reasonable accuracy has been demonstrated. A parametric analysis shows that the presence of the stiffeners makes numerous contribution to the strength of rigid connections in particular cases.