ABSTRACT
Abstract The paper describes tests carried out on three dimensional RHS Tee joints as part of a European investigation of the effect of axial loads in out-of-plane bracings on the behaviour of RHS joints. The programme also included cross joints and K joints. Eight Tee joints were fabricated, six of which had out-of-plane bracings, where a branch to chord width ratio of 0.6 was chosen for all branches, with a chord wall slenderness of 22. One of the joints had no out-of-plane bracings a.tached, so that a comparison of behaviour could be made with that of an identical planar connection for which design recommendations already exist. The force in the in-plane branch was always compressive while out-of-plane branches were subject to axial tension, compression or zero forces. Two different boundary conditions for the ends of the outof-plane branches were considered, viz free to move vertically, or alternatively restrained by end shear to ensure branches remained parallel as they moved with the chord. The latter method of loading was also chosen since a free e:1d would have been subject to a PIt::,. effect with compressive branch load as the branch\~s rotated. The effect of this constraint is discussed.The load-local deformation characteristics are presented, and the various methods of measurement discussed. Comparisons ;tre made with the planar joint, at both serviceability and strength limit states, and interaction curves drawn. Keywords: Tubular Structures, Welded Joints, Tee Joints, Rectanfular Hollow Sections, Strength, Stiffness, Design, Experiments.
