Web Crippling of Rectangular Hollow Sections

Abstract

The web crippling strength of manufactured, steel, rectangular hollow section tube side walls, or webs, under transverse compressive loads, is examined through experimental research on isolated, equal‐width, cross joints, where either plate or rectangular hollow section branch members are welded to a rectangular hollow section chord member. The results of 31 laboratory tests undertaken by the writer are presented, with 40 other tests undertaken internationally. Joint parameters covered include chord wall slenderness, chord aspect ratio, tube forming process, tube yield stress, bearing length, the inclination of the branch member to the chord, and chord axial load. Test data is correlated with 6 methods currently available for the prediction of the web crippling strength of such joints, and a suitable approach for strength estimation is recommended.