Numerical Modelling of Y Joints of Trusses Made of Steel Hollow Sections

The use of welded structural hollow sections in civil engineering is relatively new. Constructing and dimensioning joints of steel trusses made of welded structural hollow sections requires a more specified approach, compared to traditional joints, achieved by gusset plates. Stress and local deformations at the contact between elements are non-linear and very complex. In this paper, the FEM modelling of the Y-joint was performed, accounting for the non-linear behaviour of steel. The ultimate bearing capacities of the joint were determined numerically, by applying different failure criteria. The results showed very good agreement with the experimental data.