ABSTRACT
No experimental data are available for multiplanar XX-joints where both the in-plane and out-of-plane braces are loaded by in-plane bending moments. Therefore, numerical parameter studies have been carried out to study the static behaviour of multiplanar XX-joints subjected to in-plane bending moments. The influence of the geometrical parameters β and 2y as well as the moment ratio (ratio between the bending moments on the out-of-plane braces and the bending moments on the in-plane braces) have been made clear. Based on the numerical results and the expressions derived from the analytical “ring model” approach, a strength equation has been derived for the XX-joints with unloaded out-of-plane braces. Finally, interaction equations have been established which describe the interaction effects due to in-plane bending moments on the in-plane and out-of plane braces.
