Structural performance of staircase post connection systems under monotonic and reversed cyclic static loads

Abstract

The objective of this research is to develop the relationship between starting steps and post newels attached by different connection systems. This research focuses on analyzing solid and box posts connection performance under monotonic and reversed cyclic loads by following European standards EN 26891:1991 and EN 12512:2001, respectively. Moment carrying capacity, stiffness, energy dissipation, and ductility were calculated. Four connection systems were tested, two for solid posts (Sure-Tite™ and Fas-N-Fast™) and two for box posts (L-brackets and wood block with lag bolt). Connections had higher load capacity during the monotonic loading protocol than in the reversed cyclic loading protocol. No strength difference was observed between the solid post connection systems. However, Sure-Tite™ presented a more ductile behavior. For box posts, the L-brackets connection system was superior in strength, while the wood block with lag bolt system had a greater ductile behavior.