Analytical investigation of column base plates, base support plates and anchors in steel structures

The design of the column base plate is very important in steel structures. In this study, the details of the steel column base plate joint, which is one of the most important building blocks of the structural system in steel structures, are explained. Information about the base plate, anchors and bolts to be used at the steel column-foundation joint is given. Details about the properties and usage of the elements in the connection are given. Detailed information about the program to be analyzed is given and the theoretical information in the background is mentioned. In this study, the stresses and deformations occurring in the joint elements as a result of the analysis of the joints formed with variable parameters in the direction of static loads were compared and evaluated. The effects of base plate thickness differences, anchor element diameter and number differences, and the use of reinforcing plates on the joint are analyzed and interpreted. Analyses were performed using the IDEA Statica program, which is the preferred finite element software for steel connection calculations in engineering services. According to the results obtained, positive and negative aspects of steel column base plate design are discussed and conclusions are made. According to the analyses, it is observed that the joint of the rigidized column at the base plate gives better results than the joint without the use of the bracing plate. In the areas where the base plate is connected with the column head, it is observed that the stresses in and around the anchorage are significantly reduced with the use of berming plates. For this reason, it was observed that the use of berming plates in rigidized joints would be very beneficial for the joint and its use was recommended. It is stated that the use of berming plates positively affects the stresses and deformations in other elements in the steel column base plate joint. It was observed that the thickness of the base plate has a significant effect on the stresses and deformations of the joint elements. Anchor diameters and number of anchors were found to affect the stresses and deformations in the joint.