Spliced axially-loaded single-angle members in compression

Abstract

Due to construction and transportation considerations, angles used as leg members in latticed towers are often joined together in the field using bolted splice plates. In many instances, the centroid of the angle cross section does not coincide with centroid of the splice plates used to connect the angles. It is not known what effect such a splice has on the compressive ultimate load carrying capacity of the single-angle member. Research results on spliced axially-loaded single-angle struts are not available in the literature. Results of compression tests on five spliced angle specimens of low slenderness ratio (fabricated according to the communication tower industry practice) and one reference specimen of the same size and length are reported herein and compared with AISC-LRFD Specification. It is shown that the ultimate load carrying capacity of spliced specimens was, on the average, 8% less than that of the reference specimen.