Performance of CHS T-joints in a standard fire test

This paper presents the performance of Circular Hollow Section (CHS) T-joints in a standard fire test. Both the experimental and numerical investigations were conducted. In the experimental programme, four T-joints, with two different brace-to-chord diameter ratios, were tested under two types of external loadings i.e. brace axial compression and in-plane bending. The fire was simulated using an electrical heating furnace with temperature following a standard ISO-834 fire curve. Thermal restraints were provided on the two ends of the chords. Temperature distributions, axial deformation, limiting temperature of steel and fire endurance of the CHS T-joints were measured. In the numerical study, finite element models of the joints were developed. Good agreement between results obtained from the experimental programme and numerical analysis shows the accuracy and validity of the FE models. The verified FE models were then used to compare fire resistance of other six T-joints which had difference B values.