Theoretical and experimental study on axial compressive strength of single steel angle in transmission towers

Abstract The calculation theory and values of the axial compressive strength of a single steel angle in Chinese and foreign codes are not completely the same. The failure probability of strength calculated by the American Tower code ASCE10-97 is relatively high, while the strength designed according to the Chinese code DT/L5154-2012 has a larger safety margin. In response to the above issues, this paper compared and analyzed the calculation theories of axial compressive strength of single steel angles in codes of various countries. The axial compressive strength tests on Q345 single steel angles of different materials were conducted, considering three specifications and three λs. Subsequently, the differences between the experimental values of single steel angles and the theoretical calculation values of various countries were discussed. The research results indicate that when the λ is greater, the steel angle mainly undergoes bending failure around the minimum axis, and the b / t has little effect on the axial compressive strength of a single steel angle. The formula for the b / t ’s limited value can be modified when the λ is large. The strength of steel angle according to the American code ASCE 10-97 is consistent with the test results. Therefore, the Chinese code DT/L5154-2012 can be corrected by referring to the calculation method of the American code ASCE 10-97.