An innovative mechanical model for structural steel joints

Abstract

An innovative mechanical model for the characterisation of structural steel joints is presented in this paper. The model relies on the so-called “component method” to simulate the joints through an assembly of extensional springs and rigid elements. The proposed approach solves the inconsistencies met in the existing spring models and allows bypassing the analytical assembly procedure prescribed by the current version of Eurocode 3 for the prediction of joints’ behaviour. Key features systematically disregarded in classical spring models, i.e., the group effects and the variation of shear forces on the height of the column web panel, are incorporated in the proposed mechanical model. The latter allows predicting the behaviour of steel joints respecting the European normative provisions yet based on mechanical criteria only. Comparisons with experimental and analytical results show the model’s code compliance and prove its accuracy in characterising the actual behaviour of structural joints.