Strength evaluation of H-beam-to-RHS column connection subjected to bending and axial force

This paper presents the strength evaluation of H-beam-to-RHS connection subjected to bending and axial force. In order to derive the strength formulae, the limit analyses based on upper bound theorem were performed. The effects of applied axial force, thickness of column flange and thickness of beam web on bending strength of beam-to-column connection was discussed based on the observation from axial force-moment interaction curves. Based on the observation, the practical design formulae for yield and plastic strengths were further developed. The validity of the proposed formulae was assessed with the finite element analysis results.