Eccentrically Loaded Welded Connections

Although present methods of investigating eccentrically loaded weld groups have produced safe designs, the factor of safety is, in general, unknown. An analytical method of predicting the ultimate load on eccentrically loaded weld groups is developed. The method uses the true load-deformation response of the welds rather than some idealized one. The validity of the approach has been verified by a testing program using 13 full-size specimens. By making use of the more accurate predictions presented, the factor of safety can be brought into line with that of other structural components and can be established at a constant value for all connections of this type.