Experimental study of stiffening rings reinforced tubular T-joint with precompression chord

This paper examines the dynamic behaviour of stiffening rings reinforced tubular T-joints with precompression chord by means of experimental studies. An experimental programme involved one test on unstiffened tubular T-joint and three on stiffened configurations is carried out through a high-performance drop hammer machine. A series of disc springs is installed to apply axial compression to the chord. The dynamic response of four tubular T-joints are described and discussed with emphasis on the dimensional parameters of stiffening rings. Based on the experimental results, the key behavioural patterns including the development of impact force, deformation and strain, as well as deformation modes are identified. In general, the presence of stiffening rings significantly improves the impact resistance of tubular T-joints.