Testing of Beam-to-RHS Column Connections Without Weld-access Holes

This paper presents 3 full-scale tests of beam-to-RHS column connections without weld-access holes. The aim of the tests was to investigate the plastic deformation capacity and ultimate strength of these types of beam-to-column connections. The ultimate moment capacities of the welded beam-to-column connections were predicted by simple formulas based on elementary plastic analysis. In all the specimens, the connections had sufficient overstrength to allow formation of plastic hinges at the beam ends, although one specimen failed through brittle fracture starting from the toe of the weld between the beam flange and the horizontal haunch.