ABSTRACT
Abstract Results of studies of the behaviour of RHS gap K-joints are described. The main issues addressed include the prediction of load-bearing behaviour, the effect of gap size on joint stiffness, the stress distribution in the tension brace and the maximum strain in the gap region, and the membrane effect in the joint. Four joints with different configurations were tested and analysed using the finite element program ABAQUS. The gap size (g) and the brace/chord ratio (P) are the two main parameters investigated. Special care has been taken to model the gap region, plastic hinge and chord pretension loading correctly. Good agreement between the finite element predictions and test results has been obtained. Keywords: RHS K-joints, FEM analysis, Membrane effect, Gap size effect.
