
Investigation of Steel Brace-Rotated Tubular T-Joints
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This paper presents a numerical structural investigation of carbon steel square hollow section (SHS) brace-rotated (BR) tubular T-joints under axial compression in brace. The BR T-joint is an innovative tubular joint configuration, which consists of a rectangular or square hollow section member rotated along its longitudinal axes. During recent decades, new configurations have emerged, involving the rotation of either brace and/or chord members, referred to as BR joints, square bird-beak (SBB) joints, and diamond bird-beak (DBB) joints. However, some of these joints are not yet included in international regulations and just few design rule suggestions are available in literature. The main objective of this study is to present the load versus deformation behaviour and resistance of the BR T-joints. This was achieved by applying axial compression loads through the brace and supporting the chord ends, while also observing and identifying the failure modes, which include chord face failure, combined failure, and chord crown failure. Finite Element models are analysed and the results are compared with those obtained from literature experimental studies. This study provides further insights into the structural behaviour of BR T-joints under compression conditions. A crucial aspect of this work is that the results contribute to the advancement of design guidelines and the safety of structures. In addition to its technical relevance, this research aims to offer significant practical implications for the structural engineering sector by providing a technical basis for the development of standards.