Experimental and numerical analysis of a novel tubular joint for transmission tower. (January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tian, Li; Liu, Juncai; Chen, Cheng; Guo, Liulu; Wang, Meng; Wang, Zilong
• Is Part Of: Journal of constructional steel research. Volume 164(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-01
• Subjects: Tubular X-joint -- Full-scale test -- Non-linear finite element analysis -- Design methods; Steel, Structural -- Periodicals; Building, Iron and steel -- Periodicals; Acier de construction -- Périodiques; Construction métallique -- Périodiques; 624.1821
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcsr.2019.105780
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0143-974X

Abstract

Abstract: A novel type of tubular X-joint is evaluated in this study which combines both flange connection and welded connection for practical steel tube transmission tower. Full-scale experiments are carried out to investigate the monotonic behavior of the joints under both axial tensile and compressive load. The failure modes, load-displacement curves, load-strain curves, deformation development and ultimate strength are studied and discussed. Non-linear finite element analysis of the proposed tubular X-joint not only captures the discernible behavior observed during the tests to verify the experimental results, but also help study stress distribution that cannot be directly measured during the tests. Both experimental and numerical results show that the novel type of joints have adequate bearing capacity with good safety margin and the weak parts are mainly concentrated on the vicinity of intersection regions. Finally, several different design codes are used to calculate the ultimate strength of the proposed joints under investigation. The difference between experimental results and current design methods can be attributed to the fact that the connection adopted in the joints is different from the conventional welded tubular X-joint in codes. Highlights: A novel tubular x-connection is prosed for transmission tower. A total of 12 full-scale tubular x connections are tested for its monotonic behavior under axial load. The experiment investigated the failure modes, load-displacement curves, load-strain curves, deformation development and ultimate strength of the joints. Nonlinear finite element analysis is conducted to study the stress distribution. Both experimental and numerical results show that the novel type of joints have adequate bearing capacity with good safety margin.