G.J. van der Vegte

The Non-linear Behaviour of Multiplanar Tubular TX-joints Subjected to In-Plane Bending Moments on the In-Plane and Out-of-Plane Braces

Publisher Summary Because most of the current codes used for the design of statically loaded tubular connections are based on extensive tests on simple uniplanar joints, no adequate design guidance is given for multiplanar joints. To study the in-plane bending behavior of multiplanar joints, in the framework of a joint industry programme, experiments have been carried out on multiplanar XX-joints subjected to in-plane bending moments. In addition, numerical simulations of these experiments have been made. Based on the calibrated numerical models, subsequent parametric FE studies have been performed on multiplanar XX-joints loaded by in-plane bending moments on the in-plane and out-of-plane braces. Because no experimental data are available for multiplanar TX-joints subjected to in-plane bending moments, numerical and parametrical studies have been carried out on multiplanar TX-joints loaded by in-plane bending moments on the in-plane and out-of-plane braces. The effects of the geometrical parameters β and 2γ along with the moment ratio between the in-plane bending moments on the out-of-plane and in-plane braces are determined. Based on the FE results, ultimate strength equations are established, describing the interaction effects because of in-plane bending moments on the in-plane and out-of-plane braces.