Experimental and Finite Element Investigation of Welded T-End Connection to Rectangular Hollow Section (RHS) in Pure Tension

The present paper investigates the behaviour of welded T-end connections to Rectangular Hollow Section (RHS) members in pure tension. A series of tests in the laboratory and finite element modelling were carried out. The experimental programme consisted of testing to failure of a total of 19 specimens with varying parameters, namely the tube size and cap plate thickness. The failure load and modes of failure were recorded for all specimens. Furthermore, strains (stresses) and deflections at different locations in the connection were also recorded and plotted against the applied load. In order to make the testing programme manageable, the cleat plate thickness and size was kept constant for all the tests. From the test results, it became evident that the cap plate thickness was the most important parameter in deciding the joint capacity and associated mode of failure. The test results were compared with the numerical analysis results using the finite element package ANSYS. Some design recommendations are made based on the work undertaken so far and comparison is made with existing design equations.