Local web buckling of single-coped beam connections with slender web

This research study presents an investigation of the structural behaviour and local web buckling resistance of single-coped beam connections with slender web. Single-coped beams with slender web (SBSWs) can be used in long-span structures where the top flange of the beam is removed to provide clearance to connect the beam to the main girder. Eleven (11) full-scale tests of single-coped beam connections with slender web were carried out. In general, all the test specimens failed by local web buckling. It was observed that the ultimate connection resistance was decreased with increasing web slenderness ratio, cope length and cope depth. However, the slender web with significant cope length and cope depth could promote evident post-buckling strength for the connection. Finite element (FE) analyses were subsequently conducted to provide further understandings of the test results. The FE analysis results matched the test data reasonably, and the influences of the test parameters on the performance and ultimate resistance of the test connections were carefully studied. The FE results indicated that the ultimate resistances of the models with high web slenderness were insensitive to initial imperfection amplitude, and such trend was more pronounced for cases with large cope length and depth. Based on the test results, the current design methods for predicting the local web buckling resistance of single-coped beam connections were revisited. In general, overly conservative estimates were obtained using the available design guidelines for quantifying the ultimate connection resistance of the test connections with slender web.