Experimental and Numerical Programs on Laser‐Cut I‐Beam‐to‐CHS/SHS‐Column Joint Components

Within a series of EU‐RFCS funded projects, i.e. LASTEICON and LASTTS, the use of tubular cross‐sections for steel and composite joints has been and is currently being investigated towards the development of more efficient solutions. Connections between tubular cross‐sections, respectively between tubular cross‐sections and open profiles, often require a high number of gusset plates and excessive welds. For this reason, a new fabrication method is employed and investigated in these projects, i.e.: laser‐cutting technology. Laser‐cutting allows for a precise and fast cutting with a large degree of geometric freedom, which favors complex joint geometries such as I‐beams passing through the cut slot in tubular columns. Within the completed LASTEICON project, the global performance of the joints was experimentally investigated, resulting in higher strength and stiffness compared to the joints with profiles welded directly on the tubes. As part of the ongoing LASTTS project, the research activities – that are to be performed at RWTH‐Aachen – are focused on the response of joint components and on the influence of various parameters. Advanced finite element numerical investigations were carried out and, based on the outcomes, the configuration of the specimens as well as the test set‐ups for the upcoming experimental investigations were developed.