Experimental investigation of wire arc additively manufactured steel T-stub connections

Abstract

This paper presents an experimental investigation into the structural response of wire arc additively manufactured (WAAM) steel T-stub connections subjected to tension. A total of eighty T-stub specimens featuring different printing strategies, bolt arrangements and geometric configurations were tested to failure. 3D laser scanning was employed to determine the specimen geometry, while digital image correlation (DIC) was used to monitor the strain and displacement fields during testing. Utilising the DIC data, a new method was introduced for the determination of the failure mode and key points on the load-deformation response of T-stub connections. The structural response of the WAAM T-stubs generally followed the anticipated trends, though the geometric irregularities resulted in a delay in the development of prying action in some specimens and the printing strategy was shown to have a clear influence on the load-carrying capacity. Finally, comparisons between the test results and the capacity predictions yielded by existing design equations were made; overall, reasonable agreement was achieved, but further research is required to establish reliable design rules that are specific to this form of manufacture.