Elasto-plastic analysis with large deformation effects of a T-end plate connection to square hollow section

The behaviour and performance of a family of structural connections made of square hollow sections (SHS) has been investigated in the laboratory and a series of data have been collected and presented in a graphical form. In parallel, a rigorous finite element model was developed capable of analysing the system of the SHS, the cap-plate, the cleat-plate and its surrounding weld. Evidence of non-linearity and deviation from the classical linear elastic theory led to a more complex numerical solution to fit more closely the experimental data. Hence, a specific methodology is presented, as it applies to analyses involving plasticity and large deflections (deformations). Test results obtained in the laboratory were compared with computed values from the finite element analysis and are presented graphically in the last pages of this paper. Satisfactory agreement was obtained between recorded and computed strains and displacements. The paper includes extensive discussion of the above results and the conclusions drawn from them. A brief account of directly related future research work is also given. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science BN. All rights reserved.