Axial hysteretic behavior of doubler-plate reinforced square hollow section tubular T-joints

Abstract

Doubler-plate reinforcement does not impinge on the appearance of tubular joints, and thus is widely used to improve their strength. To understand the influence of doubler-plates on the axial hysteretic behavior of square hollow section (SHS) tubular joints, two groups of unreinforced and doubler-plate reinforced (DPR) joints were experimental tested and numerically simulated under axial cyclic loading. Parametric studies were conducted to identify key parameters that influence the hysteretic behavior of DPR joints. The design of the specimen and set up of the tests are presented, and failure sequences from the experimental tests are described. The hysteretic curves, skeleton curves, energy-..