Behavior of skewed extended shear tab connections part I: Connection to supporting web

The objective of this study is to investigate the behavior of skewed extended shear tab connections in which plate (shear tab) is welded to supporting member webs (flexible supports). To achieve the study goals, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for orthogonal configurations of extended shear tab connections were performed using the finite element software, ABAQUS. To validate the finite element models, the FEA results were compared with experimental results obtained from experimental investigation by Sherman and Ghorbanpoor [19]. Then, finite element models for skewed connections at different angles were created, analyzed and investigated. It was observed that skewed and orthogonal configurations have the same failure modes, however, the shear tab's twist increases with increased connection orientation due to additional torsional moment transferred from the supported beam to supporting member. Additionally, it was observed that the connection's vertical displacement slightly decreases as connection orientation increases. Relationships between the shear tab twist and skewed angle as well as and the shear tab vertical displacement and the skewed angle were investigated. It was observed that plate twist-skewed angle relationship can be represented using a linear equation. This equation can be used to relate the shear tab twist of skewed and orthogonal connections. Finally, the shear tab's torsional strength equation in the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) manual 14th edition [4] was modified to consider the additional torsional moment added to the shear tab due to the connection orientation.