ABSTRACT
The ultimate strength and stiffness of X-joints fabricated from hot- and cold-formed structural hollow sections was studied using non-linear finite element methods. Numerical results were compared to test results obtained from four full-scale joints tested at -40°C. Plate bending and section distortion tests at room temperature were also performed. The main objective was to understand the material model requirements needed for finite element analysis. Isotropic and anisotropic material models for the cold formed corner regions were investigated. It was concluded that it was not necessary to use an anisotropic material model. The higher yield strength in the corner region of a cold-formed section and the larger corner radius influenced the joint stiffness (Pellikka 2004).
