Experimental and Finite Element Studies into the Ultimate Behaviour of Cracked and Uncracked Rectangular Hollow Section Fillet Welded K-Joints with Gap

Abstract The work described in this paper investigates the ultimate behaviour of uncracked and cracked rectangular hollow section (RHS) fillet welded K-joints with gap. The non-linear elastic-plastic finite element (FE) technique has been successfully employed to calculate the plastic collapse loads of uncracked and cracked K-joints with gap, under balanced axial loads in the bracings. An experimental programme, conducted at room and low temperatures has confirmed and agreed well with the FE analyses findings. Keywords: illtimate Strength, Cracked, Uncracked, RHS, Fracture.