Numerical Simulation Analysis of the Cast-Steel Joint in a Tree-Like Column Structure

Abstract

The cast-steel joint is often used in a tree-like column structure to achieve smooth transition. Its performance is critical to ensure the whole structural safety. In this paper, the load bearing behavior of a cast-steel joint with three branches is investigated. First, a finite element model of the test joint was established by SolidWorks and analyzed by ANSYS considering the geometric and material nonlinearity. Then, the calculation formula for load-carrying capacity of the cast-steel joint with branches was deduced by the method of regression analysis, which is used for estimating the geometric parameters and load-carrying capacity at the stage of preliminary design of the cast-steel joint. Comparison analysis shows that there is a good agreement between the experimental result, the FEM result, and the prediction result from formula.