Behavior of thin gusset plates in compression

The use of cold-formed steel members for roof and floor truss applications is gaining widespread acceptance in the United States. However, there is little technical information regarding the behavior and design of thin gusset plates in compression. Thus, a study was initiated at the University of Missouri-Rolla aimed at investigating the behavior of thin steel gusset plates in compression. Key parameters that were considered in the experimental study were the thickness of the gusset plate, the width and length of the gusset plates, the fastener location, and the fastener pattern. Both a plate model and a column model were investigated for computing the strength of a thin plate in compression. Based on the findings of this study, design recommendations are proposed.