This paper presents the results of experimental and numerical tests on angle members connected by one leg with a single row of bolts. This study was designed to determine which failure mode governs the resistance of such joints: net section rupture or block tearing rupture. Experimental tests were insufficient to completely identify the failure modes, and it was necessary to conduct numerical simulations. Finite element analysis of steel element resistance based on rupture required advanced material modelling, taking into account ductile initiation and propagation of fractures. This was realised using the Gurson–Tvergaard–Needleman porous material model, which allows for analysis of the joint across the full scope of its behaviour, from unloaded state to failure. Through experimental testing and numerical simulations, both failure mechanisms (net section and block tearing) were examined, and an approach to identify the failure mode was proposed. The obtained results provided experimental and numerical evidence to validate the strength function used in design standards. Finally, the obtained results of the load capacity were compared with the design procedures given in the Eurocode 3′s current and 2021 proposed editions.

Block tearing is a failure mode of steel connections based on rupture of material. In this paper, a numerical model is developed to capture fracture initiation and progression until failure in steel angles connected by one leg using single row of bolts. It was realized using Gurson-Tvergaard-Needleman porous material model, which can accurately trace the behaviour of steel at plastic and ultimate range. Obtained results are validated on laboratory test results in global and local terms. Stress distribution along the failure paths in the gross and net area subjected to shear and tension was investigated for different geometrical arrangements of connections. Observation of rupture mechanisms allowed to compare the design procedures given in Eurocode 3 with connections behaviour. Results of analysis indicate that both plastic stress distribution in gross shear area and ultimate stress distribution in net shear area can limit block tearing resistance, which is consistent with the newest code provisions.

In civil engineering structures, steel angles are often used as tensioned elements, because of their ease of fabrication and assembly. For practical reasons, angles are usually connected only by one leg, using a single row of bolts, and rupture of weakened section usually determines a joint capacity. Also, eccentricity affects the distribution of stresses in the net section and hence its load capacity. Assessment of ultimate resistance is a completely different issue compared to the well-known and established problems of plastic resistance and requires advanced material modelling. The paper presents a numerical simulation of net section failure of tensioned angles, made of structural steel grade S275, taking into account ductile initiation and propagation of fracture using the Gurson–Tvergaard– Needleman damage model. Extensive parametrical analysis of ultimate tensile resistance was performed with a wide range of parameters. The typical and well-recognised failure modes were observed as net section fracture and block tearing. Also, an additional failure mode, classified as limited block tearing, has occurred which is not considered in current design provisions. The paper describes the impact of individual geometrical properties of the joint (numbers of bolts, connection length, and distance from the edge of the connected leg to the center of the fastener hole) on the apparent failure form and the resistance obtained.