Economic Steelwork Design

Current design guidelines on the capacity of T/Y-joints in circular hollow sections under out-of-plane moment loading are derived from a database having a limited range of geometric parameters. Although further test results have become available since, certain geometric parameters are still not adequately covered. This paper presents the results of an experimental and numerical study investigating the effects of the various geometric purameters as well as the influence of the tensile strength to yield stress ratio on the ultimate moment capacity. The results of this investigation show that, whilst the effect of the ratio is minimal, the effect of is very significant at the larger a ratios and it has not been accounted for in existing design formulations. The finite element results obtained were used together with existing test data as the database in a statistical regression analysis, and a new capacity estimation equation is proposed. The new equation is found to be more accurate and reliable than those included in current design codes. M.M.K. Lee, E.M. Dexter and M.G. Kirkwood

Traditionally, structural fire engineering design has been considered an area outside the scope of engineering design. In the United Kingdom, the Building Regulations specify minimum periods offire resistance for loadbearing elements depending on the function and size of the building. Fire statistics, particularly those related to fatalities, show that the Regulations huve been eflective in terms offire safety against structural collapse but are perhaps too conservative. N.P. Braimi and E.W. Marchant

This article examines three prototype structures built by researchers at Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne reusing concrete elements saw-cut from existing structures scheduled for demolition.