Resistance of non-welded rhs connections

Abstract

Aim of the study: These days creation a new type of connection such as nonwelded joints can be useful. It allows save money and time. Idea of push-pull type joints in application to steel truss made with RHS is the base to this research. Research methods: Experimental evidence of such joint behavior tested in natural scale is described. Geometry and material properties of the tested connections are given. Axial-defl ection curves are presented. Yield line local push mechanism on front wall and as the alternative front and bottom wall chord section is used to the theoretical estimation of the failure load. Numerical model of “plug & play” type T and N joints for calculation and a prediction of joints resistance is proposed. Results: Theoretical and experimental results of joints resistance are shown. Eleven T RHS laser made joints in natural scale were tested here up to failure. Typical joint failure was the inelastic deformation of the loaded top & bottom flange of chord. Eight joints of N-type grid of a natural scale were tested. Two selected joints of the chord thickness 3.0 mm (WTLN5 and WTLN6) were selected. The numerical model mapped the load method used during experimental studies. In both case(T RHS joints and N-type joints) computation model to a large extent refl ects the real work of a joint, assuming reasonable time of numerical calculations.