Experimental investigation of a doubler-plate reinforced tubular T-joint subjected to combined loadings

Compression Behavior of Doubler-Plate Reinforced Square Hollow Section T-Joints

“…In general, these measures can be classified as internal reinforcement (Packer [3], Lee [7]) and external reinforcement (Hoon [8], Choo [9], Van [10], Fung [11], Choo [12], Feng [13], Korol [14], Korol [15], Soh [16]). The internal reinforcement such as stiffened ring, diaphragms, grout or horizontal stiffener, as well as chord wall local thickening (Yang [17]), has been proved efficient to increase the strength of the joint, while has little influence on the joint appearance (Packer [3], Lee [7]).…”

“…For a doubler-plate reinforced tubular joint (Figure 1), the doubler-plate is welded onto the chord surface by using filet weld, and then the brace is welded to the doubler-plate. This reinforcement is easy to fabricate and has little influence on the joint aesthetics, it can also improve the strength of the joint efficiently (Hoon [8], Choo [9], Van [10], Fung [11], Choo [12], Feng [13], Korol [14], Korol [15], Soh [16]). …”

“…Various references can be found related to doubler-plate reinforced joints (Hoon [8], Choo [9], Van [10], Fung [11], Choo [12], Feng [13], Korol [14], Korol [15], Soh [16]). The ultimate strength of doubler-plate reinforced circle hollow section (DPR-CHS) joints was investigated by experiment (Hoon [8], Choo [9]) or FE method （Van [10], Fung [11], Choo [12], Feng [13]）, and the reinforcement mechanism as well as design recommendations for doubler-plate was put forward.…”

“…The ultimate strength of doubler-plate reinforced circle hollow section (DPR-CHS) joints was investigated by experiment (Hoon [8], Choo [9]) or FE method （Van [10], Fung [11], Choo [12], Feng [13]）, and the reinforcement mechanism as well as design recommendations for doubler-plate was put forward. However, note the load carrying mechanism of DPR-SHS joint is different from that of DPR-CHS ones （Korol [14]）.…”

“…Although there is no lack of experimental data for DPR-CHS joints (Hoon [8], Choo [9], Van [10], Fung [11], Choo [12]), little relevant experimental information is currently available for DPR-SHS joints subjected to brace compression load (Soh [16]). Because of the lack of test evidence, the current design approach for axially loaded DPR-SHS joints is elementary (EC3 [20], CIDECT [21]).…”