Numerical investigations on innovative hollow section column-splice connections resorting to laser cutting technology

Abstract

Hollow sections (HS) in general are gaining popularity in the construction sector due to their good resistance against high compression, tension and flexure in all directions, combined with their exceptional aesthetics. However, a conventional end plate-bolted connection between to HS members tend to limit their full potential by focusing most of the damages in the bolts, or making the chord vulnerable to localized yielding. Therefore, an efficient splice connection is required. To that purpose, innovative solutions are proposed in this paper and in the frame of an EU-RFCS project LASTTS, investigating a “passing-through” concept obtained through laser cutting technology (LCT). Three different column-splice connections are proposed: (1) CS-1: Square hollow section (SHS) columns connected using passing-through steel plates, bolts and steel cover plates outside the tube diameter; (2) CS-2: SHS columns connected using passing-through steel plates, bolts and steel cover plates inside the tube diameter; (3) CS-3: SHS columns connected using passing-through steel plates, bolts and steel end plates inside the tube diameter. All three types of connections have been investigated experimentally under tensile and bending forces. The structural behavior of the three different column-splice connections are compared among each other to highlight their advantages and disadvantages in terms of strength, stiffness and industrial application. The experimental results are then compared with analytical design calculations recommended by the European standards. Relevant conclusions are noted.