Experimental and numerical study on hysteretic behavior of Double-Layer and Single-Layer aluminum alloy gusset joints

Abstract

In order to strengthen the members around holes and supports in a single-layer aluminum alloy shell, the method of laminated double-layer members is used to form a double-layer aluminum alloy gusset joint. Hysteresis behavior of this new type of joint is still unclear. Full-scale models were conducted to study the hysteresis behavior of this joint, which was subsequently compared with that of a single-layer joint. The failure mode, bearing capacity, ductility coefficient, and energy dissipation capacity were analyzed. Finite element models were built using ABAQUS to validate the test results and perform a parametric analysis. Research shows that the failure mode of the double-layer aluminum alloy gusset joint under the quasi-static test is a shear rupture of bolts, which is the same as that of single-layer joints. Compared with a single-layer joint, a double-layer joint can significantly increase the ultimate bearing capacity and ability to dissipate energy. However, the double-layer joints have poor ductility. Parametric analysis shows that the bolt material affects the ultimate bearing capacity and failure mode of the aluminum alloy gusset joints.