Experimental and theoretical studies on SHS column connection with external stiffening ring under static tension load

In order to investigate mechanical properties in the core area of Square Hollow Section(SHS) column connection with external stiffening ring, four specimens were tested under the static tension load. The failure modes, load-displacement curves and strain distribution were analyzed to study the mechanical properties and the load transfer mechanism of the core area of connections. The connections behave good ductility and load-bearing capacity under the static tension load. Parametric analysis was also conducted, in which the thickness of steel tube, extended width and thickness of the stiffening ring were considered as the parameters to investigate the effects on mechanical properties of the connections. Based on the experimental results, an analytical method for the bearing capacity of connection with external stiffening ring under the static tension load was proposed. The theoretical results and the experimental results are in good agreement, which indicates that the theoretical calculation method of the bearing capacity is advisable.