Tests of Gusset Plate Models

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Abstract
The research program explored experimentally the means of gathering information about the stress distribution within gusset plates. Of the various joining methods, bolting was chosen. Two load conditions, one which corresponds to high chord forces and another which corresponds to high web forces were selected. Three modes of load transfer were investigated analytically and the case of load transfer through the boundary of the plates was also included in view of its importance in judging the applicability of photoelastic models. Of the available finite element methods two were compared. Small scale photoelastic models also were tested and compared to the steel models. From the comparison of the experimental results and the analytical data, it appears that large model tests are not likely to yield much more information than the proper combination of small model tests and modern numerical methods. The present data show that an assumed load transfer through the boundary of the plate will still not significantly change the internal stress distribution pattern in the plate.

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