ABSTRACT
Research on tubular joints at Monash University has examined the use of innovative methods for connecting tubular members and compared their performance with conventional profile cut connections. One type of connection studied has involved the use of braces featuring flattened-ends. This paper contains an overview of the research undertaken at Monash University into flattened-end connections and also presents test results on flattened-end tube stubs under compressive loads. Tests on flattened-end tube stubs have been undertaken in an attempt to determine the value of adding an internal diaphragm to the tube cross-section at the point where the transition region from circular cross-section to flattened-end cross-section begins.
