The effects of chord length and boundary conditions on the static strength of a tubular T-joint under brace compression loading

Non-linear finite element analysis is used to assess the static collapse strength of a sample tubular T-joint configuration subjected to compressive brace loading. Two series of models are used to assess the effects of varying the chord length L, one series having simply supported chord ends and the other having fixed chord ends. It is shown that chord length and boundary conditions can have a significant influence on static collapse loads. The results are discussed in the light of current design procedures.