Journal of Constructional Steel Research 62 (2006) 132–143

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Experimental study of gusset plate connections for tubular bracing

Y. Liua, , J.L. Daweb, L. Lic
a Department of Civil Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3J 1Z1, Canada
b Department of Civil Engineering, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada
c Ocean Steel Ltd, Saint John, NB, Canada

Received 1 November 2004; accepted 13 April 2005

Abstract

This paper investigates the fatigue life of tubular bracing with gusset plate connections that are commonly used to connect tubular bracing
in frames, whereby a gusset plate, also referred to as a knife plate in this instance, is attached to the frame and fitted into a pre-cut slot in
the HSS (hollow structural section) bracing member. Owing to construction and fabrication tolerances, it may occasionally be necessary to
leave an unfilled gap between the forward edge of the inserted knife plate and the end of the slot on one or both faces of the HSS. A test
program was developed to investigate the effect of the gap as well as the influence of various parameters on the fatigue behaviour of knife
plate connections. A common failure mode was observed on all the specimens. Fatigue stress concentration cracks that developed in the HSS
walls at the forward edge of the inserted knife plate resulted in ultimate fracture of the specimen and a relatively low fatigue life.
© 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: Hollow structural section; Bracing; Knife plate; Connection; Fatigue; Experimental

1. Introduction construction point of view, it provides an optimal method

Concentrically braced frames (CBFs) are among the most
cost-effective systems presently used in low and medium-
rise steel buildings [1]. With this system, the lateral stiffness
and strength of a frame can be increased efficiently, thus
reducing lateral displacements of the structure and reducing
the risk of overall instability.
Square steel tubing or square hollow section (SHS) is
commonly used to brace steel buildings. Bracing is usually
connected at diagonally opposite corners formed in a bay
by columns and beams. One of the most efficient and
economical means of making the connection is to attach a
gusset to the column or the beam or to both in the corner
region. The gusset is then fitted into a pre-cut slot in opposite
faces of a square tube and the plate and tube are welded
together along
ong the edges of the slot. This type of connection
is sometimes referred to as a knife plate connection and the
gusset is referred to as a knife plate. A typical configuration
of a knife plate connection is shown in Fig. 1. From a field
Corresponding author. Tel.: +1 902 494 1509; fax: +1 902 494 3108.
E-mail address: Yi.Liu@dal.ca (Y. Liu).
for installing bracing because of its flexible adjustability.
However, uncertainties relating to the slotted connections
have raised some concerns. At the shop or construction site,
the gusset is connected to the column, the beam, or to both
before it is fitted into the slot in the tubular bracing member.
It is to be expected that, in many cases, it is difficult to
obtain a perfect fit-up between the gusset and the end of
the slot due to construction and fabrication tolerances. If
the resulting gap is large, it is necessary to leave the gap
unfilled. Currently, when erectors encounter this problem at
a construction site, the gap may be left unfilled. In some
cases, it may be possible to fill the gap left between the end
of the slot and the forward edge of the gusset with weld
materials. In other cases a hole is drilled at the end of the
slot to reduce stress concentration and possible failure by
fatigue. In this case no attempt is usually made to fill the gap
with weld materials.
To date there have been no design rules developed
specifically for this type of connection for bracing members.
Current design procedures rely on existing procedures for
the design of tension members including the effects of shear
lag [2,3]. The test program described below was developed

0143-974X/$ - see front matter © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
doi:10.1016/j.jcsr.2005.04.013