The buckling resistance of hollow circular members with flattened end-connections

Abstract

Circular hollow sections are commonly used in lattice towers. The geometry of hollow circular sections provides particularly effective compression members. Fully developed welded endconnections are generally considered to be uneconomical and flattened end connections provide economical benefits and simple fabrication. The process of flattening the ends of circular hollow sections reduces the overall stiffness of the member and introduces eccentricities at the junctions. The reduction in stiffness and the influence of such eccentricities are not taken into account in the design process. This paper examines the influence of the flattened ends and the eccentricities and recommends a rational design process to account for such effects.