Angle cleat base connections

Tests, performed on base connections fabricated from cold-formed channels and hot-rolled angle cleats, are presented in this paper. This research is part of an ongoing research to develop portal frames made out of cold-formed steel. The base connections are subjected to an axial load and moment. Hot-rolled angle cleats are used to prevent premature failing of the base connections. Several loading configurations are considered and these are dependent on the eccentricity of the load. In all the tests the cold-formed channels failed by local buckling. A significant amount of bearing distortion was observed in the heavily loaded flange. The use of bolted angle cleats allows for a simple connection to be developed, which can result in significant cost savings within the steel construction industry.