Effect of Welding Methods for Connecting Columns with Through-diaphragm on Plastic Deformation Capacity of Cold-formed Rectangular HSS Columns

Abstract

Nine cantilever cold-formed rectangular HSS columns were tested under cyclic loading. The primary parameters were the welding methods, semi-automated (hand welding) and robotic welding, and the shape of the weld toe at the corner region. All specimens initiated the ductile crack from the toe of the weld at the corner and failed in a brittle manner. However, the plastic deformation capacity of specimens until the failure was consistently improved with an increase in flank angle even for the column with low fracture toughness, regardless of welding methods and the difference in the strength of the weld metal.