Local Strength of Single-Coped Beams

Abstract

In beam-to-beam connections, the top flange of the supported beam is usually coped to clear the supporting beam flange. Due to flexural and shear stresses in the coped portion of the web, the local strength can be limited by buckling. Design recommendations in previous editions of the AISC Manual imposed limits on the cope geometry and were based on an allowable stress philosophy, limiting the flexural strength to the first-yield moment. To eliminate the limits of applicability and provide equations that take advantage of any available post-yield strength, the design guidance in the 15th Edition AISC Steel Construction Manual has been revised from previous editions of the AISC Manual. This paper discusses the development of the revised design procedure and validates the equations with the results of 25 experimental tests from five independent research projects.