Elliptical hollow section T and X connections

Abstract

Elliptical hollow sections (EHS) are the newest steel shape to have emerged in the construction industry. They have been incorporated in a variety of structures around the world, including Canada, without structural design guidelines. To date, EHS are completely absent from Canadian codes and guides. A possible application of EHS is within truss-systems and, as such, a research project has been undertaken to investigate the behaviour of EHS-to-EHS welded connections. Twelve T and X connection tests have been performed to study the effect of connection angle, orientation type, and loading sense. Two methods to predict connection capacities and failure modes are investigated: an equivalent circular hollow section (CHS) approach and an equivalent rectangular hollow section (RHS) approach. The equivalent RHS approach proved to be more successful at capturing the actual failure mode of welded EHS-to-EHS connections and is therefore recommended at this time as a preliminary design method for EHS truss-type connections.