Method for considering corroded joints in buckling analysis of single-layer reticulated shell structures

Abstract

In this paper, an efficient numerical algorithm for considering the corroded joints is originally proposed. This method is utilized to estimate the buckling factor of single-layer reticulated shell structures (SLRSS) connected by welded hollow spherical joints (WHSJs) which is commonly used in reticulated shell structures. WHSJs in actual projects are subjected to corrosion with various severities since they have been utilized 50 years ago. The existing literature mainly focused on the mechanical behavior of WHSJs, and the influence of corroded WHSJs on structural buckling capacity is seldom studied due to the lack of efficient numerical algorithm. In the present study, a numerical method considering the degradation of connection is proposed to investigate the buckling capacity of single-layer reticulated shell. The randomness of bending (axial) stiffness is achieved by double element. The influences of bending and axial stiffness and their capacities are revealed. A probabilistic distribution model of buckling capacity is proposed by performing stochastic numerical analysis. The main contribution of this work is proposing the efficient numerical model for considering degraded connection. The conclusions derived in this study can provide reference for the safety estimation of SLRSS.