Tensile Behavior of T-Stub Subjected to Static and Dynamic Loads

To study the tensile behavior of T-stubs with various design parameters under different loading scenarios, uniaxial static and dynamic tensile tests were carried out. The effects of flange thickness, bolt preload, bolt strength and loading conditions were discussed. The failure modes observed under different conditions were presented. Besides, the load-displacement response was analyzed in detail. The experimental results showed that the bolt preload only affected the initial stiffness of the specimens, and smaller flange thickness and lower bolt strength would result in unfavorable performance of T-stubs. Under dynamic loading scenarios, the test specimens showed greater resistance but limited deformation capacity compared to the static ones. Furthermore, it was observed that the ductility would be seriously reduced if brittle failure, such as bolt or weld fracture occurred which is recommended to be avoided in structural design.