STRESS-ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OF DOUBLE FILLET-WELDED T-JOINTS

The stress distribution in double filler-welded T-joints was investiga ted with a computer modeling technique. The finite element method was used for the analysis of T-joints in the plane-stress condition, under static load. Photoelastic stress analysis was employed to check the v alidity of the computer calculations. To address the design aspect of the stress analysis, the American Welding Society (AWS) welding design procedure was followed, and the AWS permissible design loads were use d as a reference for the stress analysis. The ultimate strength of the T-joints was determined when the plastic hinge first occurred in the weld joint as the applied load progressively increased. Design curves for the double fillet-welded T-joints with various degrees of flange f lexibility were obtained. These design curves were compared with the A WS D1.1 design code and the American institute of Steel Construction S pecifications (AISCS). As a result of this comparison, a design concep t and procedure for the double fillet-welded T-joints was conceived. T o determine the weld performance with respect to the joint strength, t he full-strength weld size was evaluated with different web lengths an d flange flexibility in accordance with the AWS and AISC design proced ures. It is suggested that the industry may have reached a point where improved weld design procedures may be incorporated for a more effici ent joint design.