Numerical Analyse of the Steel Space-Truss with Constructive Correction in the Stamped Connection

Abstract

Three-dimensional structures made of steel bars, widely known as space trusses, are very frequently used at the construction of roofs. These 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. However, several accidents in space structures using this type of connection have also been reported in Brazil. This research proposed the use of constructive correction in the connection in order to increase its capacity. The base for this is the reduction in the eccentricity of the typical node connection. This research, verifies numerically, the strength increase achieved with the proposed construction corrections. At the end of work, it is concluded that the suggestions presented improve the strength and safety of steel space trusses with stamped connections.