Monotonic and cyclic tests on beam to column bolted connections with thermal insulation layer. (1st February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Couchaux, M.; Alhasawi, A.; Ben Larbi, A.
• Is Part Of: Engineering structures. Volume 204(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-02-01
• Subjects: Building -- Thermal performances -- Steel structure -- Thermal break -- Analytical model -- Mechanical tests; Structural engineering -- Periodicals; Structural analysis (Engineering) -- Periodicals; Construction, Technique de la -- Périodiques; Génie parasismique -- Périodiques; Pression du vent -- Périodiques; Earthquake engineering; Structural engineering; Wind-pressure; Periodicals; 624.105
• DOI: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2019.109621
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0141-0296

Abstract

Highlights: Cyclic and static tests performed on bolted connections composed of intermediate plywood or PVC layer. The addition of stiffeners and thermal insulation layers led to the same mechanical properties to that of conventional connections without stiffeners. Flush end-plate connections with thermal insulation are very flexible comparatively to extended end-plates. Abstract: This paper deals with the mechanical performances of bolted connections with intermediate thermal insulation layer used to attach an external steel structure (balconies, passageways) to a steel facade. In the proposed solution, thermal bridging is significantly limited by inserting a PVC or plywood plate between an end-plate connection and a steel column. Static and cyclic tests are performed on a cantilever beam connected to a steel column in order to investigate the effect of the thermal insulation layer on the rotational stiffness, bending moment resistances and failure modes. These tests highlight that both the thermal insulation layer and the bolt arrangement (extended and flush end-plate, stiffeners, RHS or I profile) have a significant influence of the connection response.