Experimental and Finite Element Data of T-joints with Circular-Hollow-Section chord members

This paper presents a dataset of cyclic tests and FE simulations of T-joints with Circular-Hollow-Section (CHS) chords and passing-through plates. These specimens were designed to be representative of components of beam-to-column joints between CHS columns and passing-through IPE beams, subjected to the cyclic load protocol proposed by AISC 341. Specifically, cyclic displacement histories were applied at the ends of the plates using a hydraulic actuator. The provided dataset includes the displacement histories recorded through a potentiometric transducer during the tests and the reaction forces recorded using the actuator's load cell. Subsequently, Finite Element (FE) models of the specimens were developed and validated against the experimental results. The FE models accurately replicate the geometrical and mechanical properties of the tested specimens, and the displacement histories experienced by the specimens were applied. Starting from the validated FE models, a parametric analysis explored the behaviour of a more extensive dataset comprising 44 geometric configurations of the analysed connection. Key geometric parameters influencing the connection's response were varied, including the ratio between plate width and tube diameter (β, ranging between 0.44 and 0.74), the ratio between tube diameter and twice its thickness (γ, ranging between 15.28 and 27.39), and the ratio between plate and tube thicknesses (τ, ranging between 2 and 8.75). For each of the 44 cases, cyclic simulations were performed, adopting the same protocol applied to the tested specimens and elaborating the force-displacement response. The significance of this dataset lies in its derivation from numerical simulations based on FE models validated against experimental results, making it a reliable resource for researchers aiming to develop mathematical and mechanical models for predicting the cyclic response of T-joints between CHS chord members and passing-through plates.