Strength of connections between SHS columns and through plates

The use of Square‐Hollow‐Section (SHS) members as columns of moment‐resisting frames is a very interesting solution thanks to several benefits they can provide. However, especially in Europe and the USA, the use of SHS columns is limited by the complexity related to the realisation of beam‐to‐column connections. Nevertheless, the recent use in civil engineering of Laser Cutting Technology (LCT) has offered the opportunity to manufacture welded connections by properly cutting the tubular profile with the imprint of the cross‐section shape of the double‐tee member. Such a solution is an improved alternative to the joint with the I‐beam welded to the external surface of the hollow profile since higher flexural strength and stiffness can be provided. Considering the importance of such a topic, this connection is currently being studied at the University of Salerno within the framework of the component method approach.

In this view, the research activity discussed in this paper deals with studying the monotonic behaviour experienced by welded connections between SHS tubes and through‐all plates. In fact, this component is intended to be representative of the actions applied on the tube by each of the beam flanges of a double‐tee profile. In particular, this nodal component has been identified and studied thanks to numerical simulations and theoretical approaches, leading to analytical design formulations.