Elasto-plastic finite element analysis of double chord rectangular hollow section T-joints

Elasto-plastic response of T-joints consisting of double chord, rectangular hollow sections (RHS) has been modelled by treating the chord's mated flanges as thin plates supported by coupled springs that simulate the action of the side walls and bottom flanges. Two loading conditions, namely, branch axial force and branch bending are analyzed. The finite element formulation includes rectangular plate and edge boundary springs in which both …