Experimental and numerical study on the performance of new prefabricated connections for free-form grid structures

Behaviour and design of prefabricated connections under combined bending and compression for free-form grid structures

“…The advantage of the connection is that the joint can be assembled on-site and the joint could be adjusted to fit free-form surface grid shell structures by changing the relative positions between the bolt holes, and by changing the relative lengths of the top and bottom flanges of the I-sections. The detailed method to adjust the joint has been elaborated in [34]. With modern manufacturing technology, the uniqueness of each structural member and joint can be easily achieved during the manufacturing process.…”

“…The other sleeve is free from any tensile or compressive force. The detailed force transfer routes of the joints have been introduced in detail in [34].…”

“…According to the investigation in [34], it is reasonable to assume that when the joint is under combined compressive force and sagging moment, the bottom row is under pure compression force resisted by the sleeve or tensile force resisted by the bolt, depending on the values of the compression force and the sagging moment. The top sleeve is under compressive force.…”

“…A detailed explanation of the material properties has been elaborated in the paper by Guan et al [34],…”

“…Ma et al [9] proposed a new type of semi-rigid joint system for connecting I, H and rectangular cross-sectional members. Quan et al [34] investigated the structural behaviour of a prefabricated joint subjected to uniaxial bending which can connect I-cross-sectional members. Yet, there are still limited studies that have addressed the design of joints that connect open cross-sectional members other than hollow/solid circular or rectangular sections.…”