Effect of high shear on the moment capacity of composite cruciform endplate connections

Present design approaches for determining the moment capacity of composite connections do not properly consider the influence of changes in the shear to moment ratio, although there is evidence from the few available tests that there is some effect, Through the use of simple mechanics equations are developed that can address the problem with reasonable accuracy, Finite element methods are used to verify the validity of the developed equations. Finally, a design method to predict the actual effect-in particular, the calculation of moment capacity in those situations for which changes to the shear to moment ratio become important-is presented, Use of the design method is illustrated by means of a worked example. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.