USING FILLET WELDS INSTEAD OF CJP GROOVE WELDS IN DIRECTLY-WELDED FLANGE FR MOMENT CONNECTIONS

Abstract

The possibility to use fillet welds instead of complete joint penetration welds (CJP ) in directly- welded flange FR (fully restrained) connections is the main aim of this study. An experimental comparison has been made between these two types of welds. Fifteen specimens have been configured by welding plates to form butt, Tee and lap joint connections; three specimens with butt-joint, six with lap-joint, and six specimens were with T-joint. Fillet and CJP groove welds separately have been used to make these connections. After testing of all these specimens, the results indicated that the appropriately sized fillet weld is a good alternative to CJP groove weld when it is used for fully restrained FR moment connections.