The Numerical Simulation and Analytical Expressions on Mechanical Performance of Tubular T-Joints at Elevated Temperatures

The numerical study on the ultimate bearing capacity of the tubular T-joints are presented at elevated temperatures when the brace is compressed. A numerical method is given for analyzing the load bearing capacities of the tubular T-joints at elevated temperatures, which is realized by using the finite element software ABAQUS. The shell element is adopted to enable a realistic modeling of tubular T-joints subjected to fire. During the analysis, the influence of geometric parameters on the joints strength in fire is studied, including β (diameter ratio) and γ (chord radius/thickness ratio). Based on the analysis of the geometric parameters, a predictive analytical expressions of the ultimate bearing capacity of the tubular T-joints in fire are proposed on the basis of the observed trends of the ultimate bearing capacity reduction with the temperatures rising.