Experimental evaluation of the directional strength increase for fillet welds to rectangular hollow sections

摘要

A series of laboratory experiments on fillet-welded connections between rectangular hollowrnsections (RHS) and end-plates is presented. A total of 21 specimens, with the welds designed to be the criticalrnelement,were tested to failure by application of axial tension loading to the RHS members. Complete mechanicalrnand geometric properties of all materials were obtained and weld fracture was the governing failure mode for allrntest specimens. An evaluation of the simple design methods in steel codes for fillet welds to RHS members wasrnthus performed, to ascertain both their accuracy and level of safety (or structural reliability). It was found that,rneven for such rigid connections, restrictions need to be placed on the application of the “directional strengthrnenhancement factor” for fillet welds which is currently permitted in certain steel design codes and standards.