Development and application of a mechanical model of beam-to-column connections of steel storage racks

Abstract

This paper focuses on the development of a mechanical model of beam-to-column connections of steel storage racks for predicting the initial rotational stiffness and flexural strength of the connection. An application of the proposed mechanical model for predicting the lateral behavior of steel storage racks is also evaluated. The connection model is developed based on the concept of component method suggested by Eurocode 3. A new practical methodology for evaluation of the flexural strength based on the actual failure mode is introduced. To validate the proposed mechanical model, extensive studies on experimental testing by cantilever and the portal tests specified in steel storage rack design specification are conducted. The validation shows that the performance of the proposed mechanical model is satisfactory for predicting the response of connection. Moreover, it reveals that a modification factor of initial rotational stiffness and initial looseness should be incorporated into a rack’s connection model to improve the accuracy in predicting lateral behavior of steel storage frames.