Stress concentration factors for SHS-SHS welded T-joint connections under axial tension

Experimental and numerical investigations were performed on welded cold formed steel square hollow section (SHS) T-joint connections under static axial tension. The T-joint connections are made up of empty SHS brace welded to empty SHS chord. In this experimental investigation, two SHSSHS T-joint specimens were strain gauged to determine strain concentration factors (SNCFs) and stress concentration factor (SCFs) at the hot spot locations (Line A-E). The SHS-SHS T-joint specimens are pin connected at their chord ends. The numerical study was then performed by developing threedimensional finite element models using ABAQUS software to simulate the performance of the T-joint specimens under static axial tension and capture the distribution of the SCF at the weld toes (Line AE). Material properties of the chords and braces on finite element models were based on the tensile coupon tests. The finite element type that has been used for the models is 8-noded ABAQUS C3D8R three-dimensional (3D) linear hexahedral solid elements. The maximum SCFs determined from the experimental study were compared with the numerical study. The numerical results showed good agreement with the experimental results for each identical T-connection. The peak SCFs under static axial tension generally occurred along line D. The paper investigates the behaviour of SHS-SHS T-joints with higher β values.