Butt Splice connection on 60 degree equal angles in self supported triangular lattice towers

[Zafery]

Gentleman
We are designing a self supporting lattice triangular tower made up of 60 degree angles to support tale-communication antennas. However the 60 degree angle we are using is not hot rolled sections, But we are making 60 degree angle by bending the 90 degree angles to 60 degrees (please refer the attached drawing for clarity). Now we are making butt splice connection by providing 4 plates (two inside) two outside as shown in the attached drawing. Usually in a lap splice connection of angles we put I cover angle inside and two plates outside. However in our case because of space constrains we are unable to put a cover angle. instead we are using two cover plates. please advice is this connection is ok.
I seek your valuable advice in this regard.

Regards
Zafery

 

[KootK]

I don't see any problem with the splice connection. I wasn't aware that we could bend angles in this fashion. Is it a lot cheaper than using bent plate?

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[Zafery]

Actually we don't have a local supplier for bend angles, procuring material from foreign countries will cost more as well as the delivery time will be more. Because of that we used this approach. We also see no problem with this splicing. My only worry is at the connection point if we provide a cleat angle it will give stiffness inside of the angle. However in case of plates we don't have that stiffness.

 

[mike20793]

Is it permitted to bend angle legs? My gut feels like this shouldn't be done but I'm not sure how it actually differs from a bent plate.

 

[BSVBD]

What benefit do you gain by bending the angles? It seems like a lot of unnecessary labor for no apparent structural gain. I've got much to learn. Please explain.

 

[Teguci]

Your splice plates are eccentric from the bent angle's neutral axis so I would expect some bending through the splice plates and shear stresses due to this rotation through the bolts. If the numbers work out, I don't see anything that bothers me. Very innovative.

How are they going to bend the angles? Per AISC, they don't recommend bending angles more than 5 degs for skewed connections stating that it is impractical. Not sure if the same ductility problems exist for angles as they do for plates bent parallel to their lengths.