The latest development of reinforcement techniques on tubular joints

To date, tubular joint has been widely applied on various engineering structures, ranging from offshore platform jackets, truss-type structures of civil engineering, bridges, ship loaders to crane structures. Since different load cases transferring between tubular members could generate asymmetrical and high stress concentration, fatigue damage or buckling destruction may first occur at tubular joint. In this regard, tubular joints are recognized as the most crucial component in tubular structures in order to maintain sufficient safety and durability. There are ways to reinforce tubular joints, including internal ring-stiffener, doubler/collar plate, grouted clamp and FRP reinforcement. In this paper, mechanical performance of tubular joints are mainly focused, a review of the above-mentioned reinforcement methods is presented, with a brief summary of their advantages and limitations. Furthermore, this paper also provides discussion of research insufficiency of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) reinforcement and some possible further investigation research spots.