• Steel and Composite Structures
• /
• v.24 no.4
• /
• pp.425-439
• /
• 2017

As a thin-walled structure, local joint flexibility (LJF) in a tubular structure is prominent, and it may produce significant effect on the static performance for the overall structure. This study presents a simplified analytical model to analyze the static behavior for a steel tubular structure with LJF. The presented model simplifies a tubular structure into a frame model consisted of beam elements with considering the LJFs at the connections between any two elements. Theoretical equations of the simplified analytical model are deduced. Through comparison with 3-D finite element results of two typical planar tubular structures consisted of T- and Y-joints respectively, the presented method is proved to be accurate. Furthermore, the effect of LJF on the overall performance of the two tubular structures (including the deflection and the internal forces) is also investigated, and it is found from analyses of internal forces and deformation that a rigid connection assumption in a frame model by using beam elements in finite element analysis can provide unsafe and inaccurate estimation.

• Proceedings of the KWS Conference
• /
• 2002.05a
• /
• pp.178-181
• /
• 2002

This is a partial report of the investigation of fatigue behaviour of hollow section T-joints with circular brace members and rectangular chord members (CRHS). Hot spot stresses and the stress concentration factors (SCFs) were determined experimentally. Fatigue testing was carried out under constant amplitude loading in air. The experimental SCF values for CRHS joints were found to be below those of circular-to-circular (CCHS) and rectangular-to-rectangular (RRHS) hollow section joints. The fatigue strength referred to experimental hot spot stress was in reasonably good agreement with current fatigue design codes for tubular joints.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
• /
• v.19 no.3
• /
• pp.261-279
• /
• 2005

The hot spot stress approach is usually adopted in the fatigue design and analysis of tubular welded joints. To apply the hot spot stress approach for fatigue evaluation of long span suspension bridges, the FEM is used to determine the hot spot stress of critical fatigue location. Using the local finite element models of the Tsing Ma Bridge, typical joints are developed and the stress concentration factors are determined. As a case for study, the calculated stress concentration factor is combined with the nominal representative stress block cycle to obtain the representative hot spot stress range cycle block under traffic loading from online health monitoring system. A comparison is made between the nominal stress approach and the hot spot stress approach for fatigue life evaluation of the Tsing Ma Bridge. The comparison result shows that the nominal stress approach cannot consider the most critical stress of the fatigue damage location and the hot spot stress approach is more appropriate for fatigue evaluation.

• Steel and Composite Structures
• /
• v.1 no.1
• /
• pp.1-16
• /
• 2001

Due to aesthetic, economic, and structural performance, the use of structural hollow sections as columns in both continuous moment resisting and nominally pinned construction is attractive. Connecting the beams to these sections is somewhat problematic as there is no access to the interior of the section to allow for the tightening of a standard bolt. Therefore, bolts that may be tightened from one side, i.e., blind bolts, have been developed to facilitate the use of site bolting for this arrangement. This paper critically reviews available information concerning blind bolting technology, especially the performance of fasteners in shear, tension, and moment resisting connections. Also provided is an explanation of the way in which the results have been incorporated into design guidance covering the particular case of nominally pinned connections. For moment resisting connections, it is concluded that whilst the principle has been adequately demonstrated, sufficient data are currently not available to permit the provision of authoritative design guidance. In addition, inherent flexibilities in the connections mean that performance equivalent to full strength and rigid is unlikely to be achievable: a semicontinuous approach to frame design will therefore be necessary.

• Journal of the Korea institute for structural maintenance and inspection
• /
• v.10 no.1
• /
• pp.149-156
• /
• 2006

Steel hollow section members have been widely used as a major material in the construction market due largely to their efficiency, their aesthetic appeal and to the technical development. But it is true that the commercial Program for dealing with a joint problem using hollow section members is not firmly established due to its uncertain and variable design parameters. The qualitative analysis program developed by using computer is introduced in this study. The results of that analysis are shown in the two-dimensional space in variable ranges and diagrams, so it would be useful to whom have not many experiences and knowledges. It is represented that the differences between Canadian code and the Korean standard for the connections of hollow section members. And It is verified that the software is applicable to the Preliminary design in steel tubular structures.