Static Strength of Axially Loaded Elliptical Hollow Section X Joints with Braces Welded to Wide Sides of Chord. II: Parametric Study and Strength Equations

Abstract

A research program consisting of experimental tests and finite-element (FE) analyses has been carried out to study the behavior and static strength of axially loaded elliptical hollow section (EHS) X joints of two configurations, for which the EHS braces are welded to the wide sides of the EHS chord. The experiments with the numerical calibration are presented in Paper I. This paper deals with the numerical parametric study and the determination of strength functions for the two types of joints studied. The strength equations are formulated in a similar way to those currently adopted for rectangular hollow section (RHS) joints. Limit state design equations can be derived according to current design rules in the IIW and CIDECT recommendations.