Flexural behavior and resistance of uni-planar KK and X tubular joints

The importance of the research on moment-resistant properties of unstiffened tubular joints and the research background are introduced. The performed experimental research on the bending rigidity and capacity of the joints is reported. The emphasis is put on the discussion of the flexural behavior of the joints including sets of geometrical parameters of the joints and several loading combinations. Procedures and results of loading tests on four full size joints in planar KK and X configuration are described in details at first. Mechanical models are proposed to analyze the joint specimens. Three-dimensional nonlinear FE models are established and verified with the experimental results. By comparing the experimental data with the results of the analysis, it is reported reasonable to carry out the structural analysis under the assumption that the joint is fully rigidly connected, and their bending capacities can assure the strength of the members connected under certain limitation. Furthermore, a parametric formula for inplane bengding rigidity of T and Y type tubular joints is proposed on the basis of FE calculation and regression analysis. Compared with test results, it is shown that the parametric formula developed in this paper has good applicability.