Stress concentration factors for RHS-to-RHS T-type moment-loaded end connections

Abstract

The research presented in this paper is the continuation of a series of efforts to develop design formulae for rectangular hollow section (RHS)-to-RHS end connections and circular hollow section (CHS)-to-CHS end connections under fatigue loading. Normalized hot spot strains for the RHS-to-RHS T-type moment-loaded end connections (unreinforced and reinforced with a chord-end cap plate) are experimentally determined and compared to those in their regular connection counterparts (with sufficient chord continuity). Upon validation using the experimental data, a parametric finite-element study consisting of 448 models (including 336 stepped connections and 112 matched connections) is performed. The parametric study investigates the effects of chord end distance-to-width, branch-to-chord width, branch-to-chord thickness, and chord slenderness ratios, as well as the chord boundary condition (unreinforced or with a chord-end cap plate). Existing formulae in CIDECT Design Guide 8 for the calculation of the corresponding stress concentration factors (SCFs) are evaluated, and SCF correction factors are derived.