ABSTRACT
The Finite Element Method (FEM) is mostly used by researchers to simulate and numerically expand the parametric database of a limited number of physical test specimens. Instead of merely duplicating physical test results, the full potential of FEM analysis is realised when it is used as a research tool to more effectively isolate parameters and simulate scenarios that could not otherwise be physically tested. By using this fundamentally directed approach to FEM analysis, this paper endeavours to systematically quantify the otherwise inseparable mechanisms of chord-face yielding, strain hardening, and membrane action. The proposed FEM approach itself is more widely applicable but this paper specifically analyses welded Rectangular Hollow Section (RHS) X-type connections.
