Experimental and numerical studies on mechanical performance of the grid unit in single-layer reticulated shells with Temcor joints

Abstract

Temcor joints are widely used in aluminium alloy single-layer latticed shells. However, the research mainly focuses on the connection joints of components, the research on the mechanical performance of the grid unit in single-layer reticulated shells is limit. In this paper, the performances of grid elements in single-layer aluminum alloy latticed shells with Temcor joints are studied through two full-scale tests with different member cross-section size, member length and joint construction. In the conducted tests, the failure mode, the load-displacement curves, and the bending moment-stress curves are recorded and discussed. The results indicate that the capacity and the ductility of aluminum alloy grid cells are affected significantly by the heights of the members. The failure of the grid unit with a height of 550 mm was triggered by the tensile fracture of the bottom flange in the connected members near connection joint. In contrast, the failure of the grid unit with a height of 200 mm was induced by the compression damage of the top flange in the members connected with joint, moreover, in-plane distortion was observed in the member near the gusset region. On this basis, the numerical simulation method using non-linear spring elements is proposed, in which the actual rotational stiffness of joints is considered. The load-displacement curves obtained from the refined finite element analysis model are validated to be in good agreement with the test results.