Testing and design of cold-formed steel clip angles in tension: Pull-over and serviceability

A cold-formed steel (CFS) clip angle is a common connector used in CFS building structures. This research project was conducted to investigate the behavior of the CFS clip angles in tension and to develop the corresponding design methods. The test program included two phases of testing: Phase I of program focused on the pull-over strength of screw connections on the anchored leg of the clip angles, and Phase II of program concentrated on the tensile strength of the anchored leg of the clip angles within the service deflection limit. Design methods for determining the nominal pull-over strength as well as the nominal tension strength of the clip angles with consideration of the serviceability were developed based on the test results. The Allowable Strength Design safety factors and the Load and Resistance Factor Design, Limit State Design resistance factors were also produced to support the proposed design methods.