Theoretical and experimental analysis of RHS/CHS K gap joints

Abstract

This work presents a study of welded K joints with gap, formed by a structural steel hot rolled hollow section, having rectangular hollow sections at the chords and circular hollow sections in the others members. The study developed theoretical and numerical analyses for the joints, experimental tests in full scale prototypes. Theoretical analyses were performed using code standards for K joints. The results in terms of behavior, ultimate load and collapse mode were analyzed and compared with numerical (finite elements) and theoretical models. The theoretical analysis was carried out from the code regulations. The joints tested indicated the failure mode of Plastic failure of the chord face (mode A). The results showed that the loads using code regulations and the ones from the numerical analysis had good agreement for the K joint.