LONGITUDINAL FILLET WELDS IN THIN COLD-FORMED RHS MEMBERS

This paper describes welded connection tests that were performed on sq uare (SHS) and rectangular hollow sections (RHS) with a thickness rang ing from 1.6 to 3.0 mm. Longitudinal fillet welds were tested. The tes t results are compared with existing American, Australian, Canadian, a nd European design formulas. The effect of the direction of loading, t he weld length, the end return welds, and the orientation of an RHS on the weld strength are studied. Proposed design formulas are given. Th e reliability analysis method is used to calibrate the existing and pr oposed design formulas.