Experimental evaluation of 3D steel joint with loading in both axis

The current European standard of steel structures (Eurocode 3) establishes the necessity of taking into account the rigidity and resistance of joints in the overall calculation of the structure. This normative uses the method of the components for obtaining the elastic characteristics of the joints, as rigidity and resistance. In the case of 3D joints the comportment of one of the axis is influenced by the loads in the other one. The level of stress in the minor axis influences the rigidity of the major axis, and vice versa. In the present work, two tests of an external 3D joint with additional plates in the weak axis is conducted, and the influence of the weak axis loading in the major axis stiffness is evaluated. The moment‐displacement curves for the major axis are shown, and the values of global initial stiffness in both tests are compared.