Probability distribution model of the bending capacity for WHSJ with multiple randomly pitting corrosion

Abstract

Welded hollow spherical joints (WHSJs) are commonly used joints in reticulated shell structures. Corrosion that occurs on the surface of WHSJs can considerably reduce the bending capacity of WHSJs. Randomness, including random location and size, is the nature of corrosion. Random size is indicated by random planar size and random thickness. The corrosion of steel structures is always a multiple random problem. A series of nonlinear numerical analysis is conducted in this work to investigate the probabilistic distribution of bending capacity of WHSJs. The objectives of this work are to investigate the influence of corrosion parameters on bending capacity and construct a probabilistic distribution model of the bending capacity of WHSJs with multiple randomly pitting corrosion. The method to determine the probabilistic model of WHSJs in actual condition is also discussed. This work can serve as a basis for the stochastic analysis of integral structures connected by WHSJs with randomly located corrosion.