Component method applied to base plate connections of steel racks

This paper deals with the analytical prediction of the rotational strength and stiffness of base plate connections in steel storage racks under bending moment and axial compressive force. Based on the testing prescriptions of the European Code EN15512 and on the findings of an experimental campaign on 21 full scale specimens tested at four different values of constant axial force and under two different types of connection set-up, an analytical procedure relying on the component method is proposed to estimate the rotational strength and stiffness of all load bearing components, and, by suitable assembly of the contributing parts, to obtain a prediction of the overall strength and stiffness of the connection. The aim is to contribute to the definition of improved analytical tools of possible use in the design and product development stage or in the update of existing design codes. Quantitative results are, however, still mixed. Further investigations appear to be required for the stiffness, mainly to describe the nonlinear moment rotation curves observed in the experiments. Strength results are more accurate and as well successful in predicting the failure mode and the loss of strength with increasing compression. •Component method captures strength of steel rack base plate connection.•Component method correctly captures failure mode for all tests.•Strength of each component useful at the design stage.•Component model for stiffness still insufficiently accurate.