Effect of Welding Residual Stresses on Behavior of Tubular T Joints

Welded tubular joints are widely used in structural engineering due to their excellent resistance and stiffness, as well as simple connection. However, the welding process induces residual stresses in the welding area that can... [ view full abstract ]

Welded tubular joints are widely used in structural engineering due to their excellent resistance and stiffness, as well as simple connection. However, the welding process induces residual stresses in the welding area that can affect the structural behavior of joints. Currently very few papers investigate welding residual stresses in relation to tubular joints. This paper develops a finite element model of rectangular hollow section T joints considering welding residual stresses. Attention is paid particularly to welding sequences. The developed model is used to evaluate the effect of welding residual stresses on the resistance and initial stiffness of tubular joints. The results show that welding residual stresses increase the plastic resistance of rectangular hollow section joints under in-plane bending and axial brace loading.