New API RP2A Tubular Joint Strength Design Provisions

The development of the new API RP2A (22nd edition) parametric static strength prediction equations for planar circular hollow section tubular joints is described. Prediction equations are presented for brace axial, brace in-plane bending, and brace out-of-plane bending loads. The prediction equations are based on screened test databases, augmented, and extended by an extensive new series of validated nonlinear finite element simulations for nonoverlapping K joints, double tee (DT/X) joints, and T joints. The increased reliability (reduced scatter) provided by the new static strength formulation was used to justify a reduction of the load factor of safety to 1.6 from the previous value of 1.7.