Weld Effective Lengths for Round HSS Cross-Connections under Branch Axial Loading

Recent experimental and numerical research performed on fillet-welded, round-to-round, HSS Cross-connections is reviewed, along with prior research on round HSS-to-rigid plate connections. The data from these weld-critical tests are then interpreted to determine practical weld effective lengths for such connections, in conjunction with permitting the “directional strength-increase factor” for fillet welds to round HSS. Recommendations are made for the AISC Specification Section K5 and a design example is given to illustrate the approach.