Screw-Fastened Cold-Formed Steel-to-Steel Shear Connection Behavior and Models

Abstract

This research introduces a proposed model for predicting tilting angle and limit states of single-fastened cold-formed steel-to-steel shear connections. Predictions are validated through an experimental study considering ply configuration and a single Hex #10 -washer head fastener, centered in a 102 mm by 102 mm three boundary window. The fastener tilting angle is captured using an automated, optical non-contact measurement procedure. The results are used to identify cold-formed steel shear connection deformation as load progresses, including tilting, bearing, and combined tilting bearing at the plies and thread tension, shear and bearing fastener failure. Results shows that fastener tilting plays a kinematic affect for the connection. Fastener tilting is predicted in function of ply thickness and fastener pitch. Local ply bending deformation is reported to be the main deformation of the connection during fastener tilting. While fastener bending and shear failure occurred if the fastener does not tilt.