Abstract
This paper presents an experimental investigation into reducing the hot spot stress on gap K-joints made of circular hollow sections (CHS) with carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) strengthening. A series of well-designed CHS gap K-joints were strengthened by using combinations of unidirectional and bidirectional CFRP sheets. Hot spot stress tests were conducted on the joints before and after strengthening. By comparing stress concentration factors (SCFs), it was found that the proposed CFRP strengthening scheme could effectively reduce the hot spot stress on CHS gap K-joints, thereby prolonging the fatigue life of joints. Generally, the maximum SCFs in the chord and brace decrease by an average of 20% and 15%, respectively. Furthermore, a theoretical analysis was conducted to develop formulas for the SCF reduction coefficient, which were verified by test results. SCF formulas were suggested for CFRP-strengthened CHS gap K-joints.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
