Ultimate capacity of doubler plate-reinforced tubular joints

Abstract

To ensure structural integrity after modification and/or retrofitting, the behavior of strengthened tubular joints needs to be understood. The finite-element method is a useful tool for studying the problem. However, this numerical technique has to be verified by experimental results before being used extensively. In this paper, the ultimate capacity of doubler plate-reinforced tubular joints is studied. To establish a reference point, a doubler plate-reinforced tubular T-joint was fabricated, instrumented, and tested to failure under axial compression brace loading. The structural behaviors were observed and analyzed. It was found that the ultimate capacity was greatly improved by the inclu..