Welded Tee-to-HSS Connections

Abstract

A conventional longitudinal branch plate-to-HSS member connection tends to cause excessive distortion or plastification of the HSS connecting face. In an effort to reduce the inherent flexibility of longitudinal branch plate connections, stiffening plates or structural tees are sometimes welded to the HSS connecting face. This paper presents the results of an experimental test program and a corresponding numerical study, using the finite element method, with the aim of determining the minimum required “effectively rigid” stiffening plate thickness. An empirical formula is developed to predict the required stiffening plate thickness, satisfying both a serviceability and an ultimate limit state condition, for use in a proposed connection design procedure.