Connections Meeting

Abhishek Kulkarni
10/3/2014 1
Prediction of Fracture Initiation in Eccentrically
Loaded welded steel connections
The aim of the proposed work is to verify if the results obtained by
using the Adkins (2012) methodology on eccentrically loaded
welded steel connections reproduces adequate results.
Search experimental data.
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Research paper summary:
1) Fillet Weld Groups Loaded with Out-of-Plane Eccentricity:
Simulations and New Model for Strength Characterization
A.M. Kanvinde, ; J. Liu, ; X. Fu ; R.J. Cooke.

2) Strength of Fillet Welds as a Function of Direction of Loading
L. J. Butler ; G. L. Kulak.




Fillet Weld Groups Loaded with Out-of-Plane Eccentricity:
Simulations and New Model for Strength Characterization
A. M. Kanvinde; J. Liu; X. Fu; and R. J. Cooke. (2012)
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Reference: Fig. 1, Pg. 306. Fillet Weld Groups Loaded with Out-of-Plane Eccentricity: Simulations
and New Model for Strength Characterization Kanvinde, A.M. et al.
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Current AISC specifications:
Strength characterization based on the work of Tide (1980)

Mean test-to-predicted ratio of 1.77 (CoV = 0.43)
Too conservative! No consideration to in plane and out of plane
eccentricities (bearing in the compression region)

Further Investigations:

Gomez et al. (2008) investigated all the existing methods for
strength characterization and inferred that Kwan et al. (2010)
Mean test-to-predicted ratio of 1.33 (CoV = 0.22)
Still on the conservative side. (considers bearing in the compressive
region)

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Development of a FE Model:
The conservative models increase the cost of welding.
A FE model is created using experimental data provided in Gomez
et al. (2008) study.







60 total tests, plate widths 44mm & 64mm also used.
Reference: Table 2, pg. 310. Fillet Weld Groups Loaded with Out-of-Plane Eccentricity: Simulations
and New Model for Strength Characterization Kanvinde, A.M. et al.
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Challenges faced in developing the FE Model:
Weld profiles are irregular and often vary along the length.
Single pass 8mm weld has a convex profile. (throat 20% larger!)
Larger 12mm weld is close to a linear profile. (corrective effect)








For accuracy, 48 profile measurements made were then used to
create average profile.

Reference: Fig. 7, pg. 311.
Fillet Weld Groups Loaded
with Out-of-Plane Eccentricity:
Simulations and New Model
for Strength Characterization
Kanvinde, A.M. et al.
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Details of the FE Model:
Approximately 10,000 elements, with 15 elements used through the
length of the welds to characterize the stress distribution.
The irregular shape of the fillet weld profile developed using
spurious solution modes.
Elements include combinations of 20 node hexahedra and 10 node
tetrahedra.
Model incorporates large deformations & isotropic von Mises
plasticity.
Contact is modelled to consider the effect of bearing between the
plates. (Coefficient of friction is 0.8)
ABAQUS 6.12

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Results & Observations:
The model is in agreement with the experimental data.
FE simulations reveal 3 interesting observations:

1) On the tension side, stress distribution is controlled by throat
yielding.
2) On the compression side, welds carry a significant part of the
compressive force! (ex: 32mm plate with 13mm welds on both sides
increase the compressive width by 81.25%!)
3) On the compression side, stresses are higher than the yield strength
of the base metal. (confining effect of the surrounding material that
elevates bearing strength of the central plate.)


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FE Model:
Reference: Fig. 9, pg. 313. Fillet Weld Groups Loaded with Out-of-Plane Eccentricity: Simulations and New
Model for Strength Characterization Kanvinde, A.M. et al.
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New improved strength characterization approach:



Reference: Fig. 11, pg.
315. Fillet Weld Groups
Loaded with Out-of-Plane
Eccentricity: Simulations
and New Model for
Strength Characterization
Kanvinde, A.M. et al.
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Conclusions:
Mean test-to-predicted ratio of 1.01 (CoV = 0.22)
Thus, the proposed method is significantly more accurate.




Points to learn:
Use of experimental data in creating a FE simulation.
Developing irregular weld shapes using spurious solution nodes.
Validating FE simulation results with additional data.





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Study Adkins (2012) work.
Find more related work.


Next Step
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References:
1) Fillet Weld Groups Loaded with Out-of-Plane Eccentricity:
Simulations and New Model for Strength Characterization -
A. M. Kanvinde; J. Liu; X. Fu; and R. J. Cooke.

2) Strength of Fillet Welds as a Function of Direction of Loading
L. J. Butler ; G. L. Kulak.





Comments / Suggestions?
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