ABSTRACT
Abstract This paper presents a method of determining local joint flexibility (UF) of tubular connections using finite element modelling. UF coefficients are determined by modelling the chord with braces removed and displacing the brace-chord intersection line. Results for in-plane tubular connections are compared with existing formulae for UF. It is shown that a similar method may be used to determine the UF of innovative flattened-end connections. The practical and structural advantages of flattened-end connections are discussed. Finite-element models are used to form parametric equations of UF for a variety of joint configurations. Parametric equations of UP are presented and are compared to equations of flexibility of traditional joints. Keywords: Local Joint Flexibility, Tubular Joints, Circular Hollow Sections, Flattened-End Connections.
