The empirical corner stiffness for right-angle frames of rectangular and H-type cross-sections

Until now, the finite corner stiffness of the right-angle frames used as horizontal girders in a bonnet, have not been considered during the design process to result in not a precise result. This paper presents a design equation set for right-angle frames used as horizontal girders in a bonnet assuming rigid corner stiffness. By comparing the center stresses of the right-angle frame according to the design equation set with the results of the finite element method, the master curves for the empirical corner stiffness can be determined as a function of slenderness ratio. A second design equation set for a right-angle frame assuming finite corner stiffness was derived and compared with the first equation set. The master curves for the corner stiffness and the second design equation set can be used to determine the design moments at the centers of the girder so that the bending stresses can be analyzed more precisely.