ABSTRACT
This paper shows the influence of the other braces of multiplanar joints made of square hollow sections (SHS) on the stress concentration factors (SCFs) of a reference brace. KK-types of multiplanar joints with a gap are numerically investigated for the parameters β, 2 γ, τ and θ. Each parameter has three values so that a presentation of the SCF results with respect to that parameter can be made. The finite element (FE) models of the joints use eight noded linear brick elements. The weld shape is modelled with a butt weld for the toe- and side-welds and a fillet weld for the heel-welds. Twenty line locations near and perpendicular to the weld toes of a reference brace are selected for the SCFs determination. Primary stresses/strains along the measurement lines are used for a quadratic extrapolation to the weld toe for the determination of the SCFs.
