This is a Joint Industry Project (JIP). The object of this project was to establish yield and ultimate failure envelopes and algorithms encompassing both brace and chord load interaction; to develop, test and benchmark a codified, generic, joint. module for use in non-linear frame analysis packages adopted in the offshore industry. This made available a tested, benchmarked, and reliable set of algorithms.
The project demonstrated that it is possible to derive, in a robust manner, the complete load response for a joint subject to various degrees of K and X actions from the responses of similar joints under single-class loads. However, future FE studies were recommended to confirm this approach for joints involving classification. The remainder of the study will focus on the behavior of joints having a proportion of Y action, the unloading behavior of joints and failure (ductility) criteria for tension loaded joints.