ABSTRACT
In this paper, a limited parametric study of K-joint in-plane bending capacity is performed using the finite element method. A full range of gap geometries, from highly gapped to heavily overlapped, is considered for each of six joint configurations and three loading hierarchies. The results are evaluated in light of current design practice, which is to treat the braces individually. Limits on capacity are recommended, as well as special treatment of the case where both brace moments have the same orientation.
In addition, a subset of the geometries is studied with respect to axial truss loading. Differing boundary conditions that attempt to model frame behavior given traditional test configurations are applied, with either the through and overlapping braces being loaded in compression. The results demonstrate that the capacity trend with increasing overlap is dependent on the occurrence of local brace buckling. Local brace buckling is not now reflected by API and DEn guidance, but the buckling provision in CIDECT also appears to need improvement.
