Research of multiple metal rods joining node in spatial construction, using one welding connection

Abstract

Elements in the nodes of spatial bar structures can be assembled either with bolted connections or with welding. For welded nodal connections, each element should be attached separately. This complicates the process of manufacturing the structure and increases the labour input while assembling this structure. The so-called “tub welding node” does not have such flaws as several bars are joined by a single weld formed during a single pass of the welding machine. The weld of such a node is in a complex stress and strain state. It means that a relatively small weld should constantly take heavy loads. To assess the stress and strain state of the welding node, the researchers conducted numerical studies in the SolidWorks software system. The calculation model of the structural node was based on the results of a particular existing structure examination. These empirical numerical studies revealed that stresses are evenly distributed in the body of the weld, but its surface stresses exceed the stresses inside the weld. There are some areas on the weld surface that exceed the yield strength of steel. Still, the size of these areas is negligible.