Fatigue Study of the Steel Space Trusses with Staking End-Flattened Connections

Abstract

Three-dimensional structures consist of steel bars, generally, connected by bolts at nodes. In Brazil, the connection usually employed in these 3D trusses is the so called typical node, which is produced by stamping the ends of the bars, thus generating a low cost connection. This typical node is also known as a stamped connection. This research presents suggestions to ensure greater safety for truss structures that use the typical node. It is proposed, initially, the use of reinforcement and constructive correction in the connection in order to increase its capacity. Since large roofs are subject to cyclic wind action, this work also examines, for the first time, the behavior of the typical node concerning the fatigue strength. This research, verifies, experimentally and numerically, the strength increase achieved with the proposed construction corrections with regard to static loads and fatigue. At the end of work, it is concluded that the suggestions presented improve the strength and safety of steel space trusses with stamped connections.