Evaluation and Repair of Wrought Iron and - Purdue e-Pubs ...

52This analysis was completed using the computer software ANSYS. To use thissoftware, an accurate model of the connection detail was drawn. This was done bycarefully measuring the dimensions of the connection and then accurately drawing themin a CAD software package. This model was then imported into ANSYS. While usingthe computer analysis software, an accurate loading model was applied to the connectiondetail. This model consisted of pulling a constant force of 30,000 psi over the shank ofthe connection and holding one side of the connection hole in place by preventing thenodes around the inside of the hole, where contact with the pin would occur, fromdisplacing. A combination of quadrilateral 4 node elements with two degrees of freedomat each node (Q4) that were ¼ inch in size were meshed into the connection detail. Theloading effects on the connection were then analyzed.The connections at the end of the eyebars were experimentally tested also. Itshould be noted that the entire eyebar was not tested, but rather only a portion of theeyebar at the end of the member. Enough material was retained, after removal of thetensile coupons, so that the eyebar connection could be tested. Consequently, the lengthof the test piece was usually between eighteen to twenty-five inches in length, as can benoted in Figure 3.2, which shows the eyebar markings for removal of the tensile coupons.The eyebar connection was loaded in tension using the 220-kip servo hydraulicMTS testing machine. Before placing the eye connection into the testing machine, straingages were applied to the surface at ten locations on both faces of the connection. Allgages were oriented in the longitudinal (loading) direction.Two Measurements Group CEA-06-250UN-350 type strain gages were placed inthe bottom shank of the eyebar connection on either side – Gages 1 and 2 in Figure 3.21.Measurements Group CEA-06-125UN-350 type strain gages were placed on each edge ofthe hole on both faces of the connection – Gages 3 thru 6 in Figure 3.21. MeasurementsGroup CEA-06-125UN-350 type strain gages were then placed on one face away fromone of the gages on the edge of the hole to the end of the eye connection – Gages 9 and