Elastic behavior of riveted double angle connections in tension

Abstract T‐stubs and L‐stubs loaded in tension are generally assumed in contact with a rigid foundation. The prying force and stiffness of these components depend on this hypothesis. For double web angle riveted connections, the angle rests on deformable beam/column web. The objective of the present paper is to take into account the effects of this deformability on the development of the contact area, the rivet forces and the tensile stiffness. An enhanced theory of beam in contact with a tensionless Winkler foundation is adopted in the contact and lift‐off areas. The axial and bending flexibilities of rivets are also considered. A numerical analysis is also performed with ANSYS in order to validate the analytical model. A sensitivity study is conducted on the influence of the thickness of the horizontal leg. The analytical and the numerical results are in good agreement, which confirms the accuracy of the proposed mechanical model.