The Crocodile Nose Connection : Design and laboratory tests on a novel connection for structural hollow sections

Abstract: The great properties and clear form makes the circular hollow section (CHS) appreciated by architects. When connecting these sections today it is common to use gusset plates. The knifeplate connection where the gusset plate is inserted into a slot made at the end of a circular section, is the most used connection today. This type of connections is not seen as aesthetically pleasingby architects because of its abrupt cut of the CHS. An alternative for the knife-plate connection is the Crocodile nose connection (CN-connection). The benefits of the CN-connection is the absence of the abrupt cut and the protruding gusset plate, which makes it appreciated by architects. In this connection the CHS’s ends are tapered, which creates two semi-elliptical cuts at both sides of the member. On these cuts, appropriate plates arefillet welded. These plates are shaped and bended so that when they are welded in place, the orientation of the extending part is parallel to the member axis. A gap is made between the extending parts so that a gusset plate can be inserted and bolted together with the member. Four different specimens of the CN-connection are tested in order to find the best shape. Two specimens have a stiffener between the plates, at a small distance from the end of the CHS. The difference between the presence of a stiffener and the lack of it, is investigated. The results showed that the specimens with the connecting piece obtained a much higher ultimate load, up to 413 %higher. Two different angles of the CHS’s cut is also investigated in order to see the most appropriate bevelling angle. In this case the results showed that the specimens with the smaller bevelling angle obtained a higher ultimate load, up to 40 % higher. A check of the weld connecting the plates and the CHS is also performed. This check was made with an assumed calculation model. The results showed that the calculation model only was valid for the specimens without the connecting piece. The calculation model must therefore be enhanced, in order to work for all dimensioning cases.