Development of a component mechanical model for composite top-and-seat and web angle connection

This paper describes the development of a component-based mechanical model for composite top-and-seat and web (hereafter referred as 'TSW') angle connections. It also describes the proposal of new component characteristics of reinforced concrete (hereafter referred as 'RC') slab and shear stud. The reported research work is part of an ongoing project aimed at understanding connection behaviour under fire conditions. This paper summarises the derivation of this mechanical model, based on spring elements, for this type of connections. Due to lack of elevated-temperature test data, predictions from using the proposed mechanical model were compared with connection experimental data conducted at the ambient temperature. Good agreement is observed between mechanical model predictions and test results at ambient temperature. The proposed model is general and can be applied to other connection configurations with modification of geometrical and material parameters. It can also provide a quick and reliable assessment of influence of each important parameter on connection behaviour.