Static behavior of gapped K-type RHS-joints with one full-width branch

The key to the design of a hollow structural section (HSS) structure is its static behavior. A nonlinear finite element analysis was conducted for the static behavior of gapped K type RHS joints with one full width branch and β 2≤0 8 using a typical joint analysis and a large scale variable parameter analysis. Both the upward and downward phase of the curve of load and displacement are traced, and the influence of main parameters on the joint's stiffness, ultimate capacity, joint's deformation, joint's failure modes, etc. were studied. The comparison of FEA results with CIDECT formula results shows that the plastic failure of the chord section surface, the shear failure of the entire chord section or a combination of them are the main failure modes of the joint.