Novel Directly Reusable Column Base Connection: Experimental Investigations on the Effects of Baseplate and Connector Thickness

Abstract

The significance of reusable connections has surged recently due to increasing waste generation and the extraction of natural resources within the construction industry. The adoption of interlocking systems has become prominent in contemporary structural connections due to their ease of assembly. This paper examines the newly developed hold-down type reusable column base connection, which is based on a plate interlocking mechanism. Specifically, it investigates the effects of base plate thickness and connector thickness under monotonic lateral loading. The reusability of the newly developed connection is demonstrated through repeated loading tests, indicating that the column base connection can be dismantled and reused. The loading regimen includes two initial cycles up to the yield strength, followed by a final loading cycle leading to ultimate failure, thereby establishing the connection's reusability. The degree of semi-rigidity is assessed by comparing the connection's rotational stiffness to that of pinned and fixed connections. The experimental results in this study provided a technical base to understand the structural behaviour of the connection and, in turn, develop a theoretical approach to predict the initial elastic stiffness and yield point of the connection, the key parameters that ascertain its eligibility for reuse. The theoretically predicted values align closely with the experimental results obtained. Additionally, a design example is provided to enhance the readers’ understanding and demonstrate the practical applicability of the developed component model for the proposed interlocking-type column base connection.