SIMULATION OF T-JOINTS BETWEEN RHS STEEL MEMBERS WITH OFFSET IN ABAQUS CAE

The current paper focuses on numerical simulation peculiarities of offset welded rectangular hollow section joints. Understanding the modelling techniques can result in easier and faster above all correct outcomes from FEA for future use. steel joints under discussion are composed cold-formed regular sections where RHS brace members laterally shifted chord axis. Joints work monotonically increasing compression load applied to a top. Numerical models were developed FE programme Abaqus. FE-models is C3D8R 8-noded solid linear brick elements with an emphasis mesh size effect weld seam. advanced model compiled considering both material geometric nonlinearities. For validation purposes, full-scale laboratory tests conducted. Proposed reliably predict structural behaviour T-joints thanks good agreement achieved deformation limit 3 % b0 maximum deviation 10.3 %.