Base connections of single cold-formed steel portal frames

An investigation of the behaviour of base connections, fabricated from cold-formed channels and hot-rolled angle cleats, is presented in this paper. This investigation is part of an extensive research to develop portal frames made out of single cold-formed steel channels. 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. Stiffer angle cleats are used to prevent premature failing of the base connections. The base connections are subjected to four loading configurations and these are dependent on the eccentricity of the load. In base connections where cold-formed angle cleats were used, failure of the bases was largely caused by premature deformation of the angle cleats. Base connections with hot-rolled angle cleats were so stiff that failure occurred in the column channels instead of the angle cleats. A significant amount of bearing distortion was observed in the heavily loaded flange. A simple formula is suggested to design these bases.