Re-evaluation of the moment capacity of CHS joints

Abstract

Current design formulae for circular hollow-section (CHS) T and X joints loaded by brace in-plane or out-ofplane bending moments are based on a limited number of tests available from the early 1980s. In the last three decades, many experimental studies and numerical research programmes have been conducted in this area. This study re-evaluates the brace moment capacity strength of T and X joints. The available data are checked against possible member failures, while the experimental data are carefully screened with respect to outliers. Detailed comparisons are made between finiteelement results and 'reliable' test data obtained from different research programmes. Based on the selected data, the existing strength equations are updated.