compression forces to the supporting member.

Flange local
bending, web local yielding, web crippling and web compression buckling limit states must be investigated.
FY

FLEXURAL YIELDING

When a beam is coped, the reduced section modulus of the

remaining beam cross section may significantly reduce the
flexural strength of the member. Other instances of flexural
yielding are flexure of the stem of a tee shape in a shear tee
connection and bending of the outstanding angle leg of an
unstiffened seated connection.
PA

SY

SHEAR YIELDING AND

SHEAR RUPTURE

Most connections are subjected to the shear component of

loading. Even moment connections must have provisions
for shear transfer. Thus, those elements in the connection
that are subject to shear forces must be investigated for
shear yielding and shear rupture. Both limit states will
apply regardless of fastening method (bolt or weld). For
welded plies, without bolt holes, shear yielding will usually
control over shear rupture. (The net area of welded plies
without bolt holes is equal to the gross area. If the ratio of
yield strength to ultimate tensile strength is less than 1.2,
then shear rupture will generally control).

PRYING ACTION

Prying action is a phenomenon in which additional tension

forces are induced in the bolts due to deformation of the
connection near the bolt. Flexibility of the connected parts
within the grip of the bolts creates these additional tension
forces.

Figure 2-9 Tee Stem Deformation

(Astaneh, A., Nader, M.N., 1989)

Figure 2-8 Web Local Yielding Limit State

(SAC Project)

2-4 Connections Teaching Toolkit

SR

Figure 2-10 Seat Angle Deformation

(Yang, W.H. et al., 1997)