Static strength of double-skin grouted X-joints under brace axial forces

The reinforcement of tubular joints by in-filled grouting has been adopted in the offshore industry and is considered a cost-effective method. In response to the lack of test databases on grouted joints, a Joint Industry Project was conducted in NUS with the objectives to generate test data over a reasonable range of β , 2γ and 2γ p geometric ratios; and to develop joint strength formulations for grouted X-joints under brace axial forces. As part of the Joint Industry Project, seven and five double skin grouted (DSG) X-joints were subjected to brace axial tension and compression respectively. Insights from the experimental program pointed to new approaches to joint strength formulations for DSG X-joints, and this paper highlights the new joint formulations for DSG X-joints under brace axial forces with verifications by both experimental and numerical results over key geometric parameters.