A feasibility study on mechanical connections of very high strength (VHS) circular steel tubes

The Very High Strength (VHS) circular steel tube is a quenched and tempered high alloy steel that was invented in Australia in the 1990s. It has a yield strength of 1350MPa that is three times higher than the strength of common structural steels being used in the building industry. While it was found that VHS tube meets the strength and ductility requirements specified in current Australian steel design standards, VHS tubes are not extensively used as structural members due to the strength loss in the heat affected zone after welding. In this study, VHS tubes were connected by using an innovative mechanical joint method. No welding was involved in the connection. Tensile test results revealed that full strength of the VHS tubes was achieved by using this connection method.