Performance of Cold-Formed Steel Beam-Column Joint with Variation in Haunched Gusset Plate Length Subjected to Monotonic Loads

Cold-formed steel requires a connecting medium such as a gusset plate. The most commonly used types are haunched and rectangular gusset plates of the beam-column joint (BCJ). Previous studies and regulations do not specify the dimensional limits of gusset plates. The optimal shape and size of gusset plates for withstanding loads are yet to be identified. This study aims to assess the effects of the shape and length of a haunched gusset plate (compared with a rectangular plate) on the capacity of a BCJ in resisting gravity loads. Specimen tests were performed to compare the performance of beam-to-column connections using rectangular and haunched gusset plates, each measuring 600 mm long. Subsequently, studies based on finite element models were conducted to compare the performance of BCJ using haunched gusset plates with lengths of 550 mm, 600 mm, and 650 mm. The differences in the type and size of gusset plates as connections affect the ultimate load and displacement. The 650-mm-long gusset plate affords the best bearing load capacity under beam-to-column connections of 51 kN and dissipation energy of 1638.62 kN.mm. Lower load capacities were demonstrated by the 600 mm and 550 mm haunched gusset plates and the 600 mm rectangular plate.