Sage Journals: Discover world-class research

Abstract

A recently developed space frame connector, and the experimental investigation carried out to evaluate its strength and failure mechanisms are presented in this paper. Four sizes of connectors, namely 48 mm, 60 mm, 76 mm and 89 mm joints, are tested to failure. The characteristic and failure behaviour of each connector under the principal actions for axial tension and compression as well as the secondary effect of bending at the joint are observed and reported. Joint and member capacities are also assessed analytically. Useful structural parameters such as rotational stiffnesses of the joints, buckling capacities of members as well as tension and bending capacities are evaluated and compiled for easy reference. Comparison of experimental results and predicted values show reasonably good agreement.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Makowski

Z.S.

, (Editor), Analysis, Design and Construction of Double Layer Grids, Applied Science Pub., London and New York, 1981.

Nooshin

(Editor), Proceedings of the Third International Conference on Space Structures, Elsevier Applied Science Pub., London, 1984.

Makowski

Z.S.

, Shaping the future in space structures and their impact on architectural and structural engineering, Proc. Int. Sym. on Innovative Applications of Shells and Spatial Forms, Vol. III, India, 1988, pp. 75–118.

Tien

T.L.

Yuan

Z.L.

(Editors), Proceedings of the International Colloquium on Space Structures for Sports Buildings, Elsevier Applied Science, London, 1987.

Nooshin

, Formex Configuration Processing in Structural Engineering, Elsevier Applied Science Pub., London, 1984.

Lee

S.L.

See

Swaddiwudhipong

Koh

C.G.

, Development and testing of a universal space frame connector, International Journal of Space Structures, 5(2), 1990, pp. 130–138.

BS 5950: Structural use of Steel Work in Building, Part 1, Code of Practice for design in simple and continuous construction: hot rolled sections, British Standards Institution, 1985.

Koh