Experimental and Numerical Investigation of CHS Reinforced Joints Using Laser Cutting Technology

The structural resistance of circular hollow section (CHS) joints in tubular trusses can be enhanced using laser cutting technology (LCT). This study investigates reinforced CHS joints with longitudinal passing‐through plates applied to two case studies: long‐span stadium roof and a pedestrian bridge, designed as 2D and 3D Warren trusses, respectively. Two full‐scale reinforced specimens and corresponding conventional welded joints were tested, giving a total of six experimental tests, and compared with finite element (FE) simulations based on geometrically and materially nonlinear analysis (GMNIA). The results demonstrate that, with appropriate detailing and welding procedures, the proposed reinforcement shifts failure away from the joint and enables to reach the ultimate capacity of the chord or bracings. The findings confirm the structural efficient of LCT‐based reinforcement strategies and provide a validated numerical framework for further parametric studies.