Cost-effective connections for columns under torsional loads.

Riley Quintin (M.Sc.)

It is relatively common for torsional loads to be included in the design of members in industrial steel structures. An example of this is a pipe rack structure where design hydraulic events in the pipe cause weak-axis bending in the supporting beam, which is in turn transferred to the column as torsion. Due to a lack of relevant provisions in design standards, stiffeners are routinely added to the connection to ensure the torque is transferred to the entire cross-section, which adds substantial cost to the fabrication of the structure. As these sections are likely to be carrying considerable axial load, Riley’s research aims to gain a better understanding of the behaviour of unstiffened wide-flange sections subjected to axial load, combined with torsion applied through one flange. This will be done primarily through a series of full-scale laboratory experiments that consider several different geometries to obtain a range of behaviours. This research will help eliminate the use of unnecessary stiffeners by providing generalized design guidelines to produce cost-effective connections. The project is sponsored by Waiward Steel, the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction, and NSERC.

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