Static Bearing Capacity Investigation of a Novel Prefabricated Light-Steel Beam–Column Connection

Abstract

In this study, a novel prefabricated light-steel beam–column connection consisting of a thin-walled rectangular hollow section column and two cold-formed steel truss beams is proposed and investigated by carrying out experimental tests. Eight cruciform beam–column connection specimens with different configurations are fabricated and tested to failure under monotonic static loading. First, failure mode and the loading–displacement curve of each specimen are investigated. Consequently, the effect of three variables, including truss-beam configuration, truss-beam type, and with or without sleeve tube reinforcing the column, on the static bearing capacity of the proposed connection and the deflection of the truss beams are investigated. It is found that plug welding the sleeve to the column can significantly increase the static bearing capacity of the proposed connection. In addition, fillet welding connecting the column and the channel connectors to accommodate the end of the truss beams is crucial to the static bearing capacity of the proposed beam–column connection. Because beam–column connections with single-truss beams have a higher load-bearing capacity and require less material and assembly work, it is recommended to adopt this type of configuration for the proposed connection.