ABSTRACT
The ultimate load capacity or the ultimate moment capacity of full width X-joints in rectangular hollow sections (RHS) has been studied analytically and numerically. The geometrical parameters of the joints are β=1.0, 2γ = 15, 24, 35, 45, η=1.0 and τ=1.0. The joints are loaded by either axial forces, or in-plane bending moments or out-of-plane bending moments. For each load case, the ultimate load capacity formulae or the ultimate moment capacity formulae have been recommended based on the so-called “4-hinge yield line and web buckling model”. The recommended formulae are in good agreement with the numerical results. Further investigations are recommended including extra joint parameters in order to check the validity of the formulae for a large range of joint parameters.
