Deformation limit and ultimate strength of welded T-joints in cold-formed RHS sections

• Published in: Journal of constructional steel research Vol. 53; no. 2; pp. 149 - 165
• Main Author: Zhao, Xiao-Ling
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.02.2000
• Subjects: Cold-formed steel; Deformation limit; Hollow sections; Ultimate strength; Welded joints; Welded joints; Cold-formed steel; Hollow sections; Ultimate strength; Deformation limit
• ISSN: 0143-974X; 1873-5983
• DOI: 10.1016/S0143-974X(99)00063-2

This paper describes the deformation limit and ultimate strength of welded T-joints in cold-formed RHS sections. Both web buckling failure mode and chord flange failure mode are investigated. The strength at a certain deformation (chord flange indentation) limit can be regarded as the ultimate strength of a T-joint. The deformation limit mainly depends on the ratio β (= b 1/ b o). Based on the test results of T-joints in cold-formed RHS sections, the deformation limit is found as 3% b o for 0.6≤ β≤0.8 or 2 γ≤15, and 1% b o for 0.3≤ β<0.6 and 2 γ>15. The ultimate strength so determined is compared with the existing design formulae. Proposed formulae for ultimate strength of web buckling failure and chord flange failure are given.