Description

Three plates are connected in two configurations, namely with a transverse weld and with a longitudinal weld. The steel grade, length, and throat thickness of the weld are the variable parameters in the study. The joint is loaded by a normal force.

The model was created in IDEA StatiCa Connection application.

Fig. 1: Geometry of welded lap joint with transverse weld

Analytical Model

The design resistance per unit length of a fillet weld in fire should be determined from:

$$F_{w,t,Rd}=F_{w,Rd}k_{w,\theta}\frac{\gamma_{M2}}{\gamma_{M,fi}}$$

where $k_{w,\theta}$ is obtained from EN 1993-1-2, Table D.1 for the appropriate weld temperature; $F_{w,Rd}$ is determined from EN 1993-1-8, Cl. 4.5.3.

Verification

Tab. 1: Transverse fillet welds

Fig. 2: Parametric study of temperature for transverse weld

Fig. 3: Parametric study of steel grade for transverse weld

Fig. 4: Parametric study of weld length throat thickness for transverse weld

The resistance of transverse fillet welds is in most cases slightly higher (on average by 3 %) in CBFEM than in AM. The exception is the temperature of 350 °C. At this temperature, the resistance of welds is affected only slightly by fire, and the difference between partial safety factors $\gamma_{M,fi}=1.0$ and $\gamma_{M2}=1.25$ overweight the decrease due to fire. IDEA StatiCa does not allow the bolt or weld resistance to be higher in fire than at room temperature and assumes the minimum of:

• Load resistance multiplied by reduction factor for temperature, $k_{\theta}$, and divided by safety factor for fire design situation, $\gamma_{M,fi}$
• Load resistance divided by safety factor for bolts and welds, $\gamma_{M2}$

Tab. 2: Longitudinal fillet welds

Fig. 5: Parametric study of temperature for longitudinal weld

Fig. 6: Parametric study of steel grade for longitudinal weld

Fig. 7: Parametric study of weld length throat thickness for longitudinal weld

The resistance of longitudinal fillet welds is in most cases slightly lower (on average by 4 %) in CBFEM than in AM. The exception is the temperature of 350 °C for the same reason as for transverse welds.

Benchmark example

Inputs

Plate 2-3: Custom I-profile

• Thickness t_2-3 = 12 mm
• Width b_2-3 = 40 mm
• Steel S355

Plate 1

• Thickness t₁ = 12 mm
• Width b₁ = 50 mm
• Steel S355
• Model type N-Vy-Vz

Weld, transverse fillet welds

• Throat thickness a_b = 3 mm
• Weld length L_b = 40 mm

Temperature: Both members

• $\theta=550\,^\circ C$

Output

• Design resistance in tension F_Rd = 48 kN

Fig. 8: Benchmark example for the welded lap joint 

For other verification studies, visit our Support Center - Verifications.