Issue 62

F. Slimani et alii, Frattura ed Integrità Strutturale, 62 (2022) 107-125; DOI: 10.3221/IGF-ESIS.62.08

Protocols and experimental devices The beam is mounted on a test slab, the load is distributed at the two central nodes through a rigid steel H profile. A wind-bracing system has been adopted to ensure the out-of-plane stability of the truss (Fig 2).

Figure 2: Truss test.

Geometric characteristics of the truss Analytical models are used to study the effect of the main parameters and describe the behaviour of joints. However, taking all the parameters into account leads to a model that is far too complicated. For this reason, various simplified models are used depending on the mode of failure analysed, and in combination with results of laboratory assembly tests, these models make it possible to establish sizing equations. As the design and sizing of a structure always result from compromises between resistances, stability, manufacturing cost and maintenance, these can sometimes be conflicting.

Figure 3: Geometric characteristics.

Truss

Joint type

θ 1

θ 2

β

b 0 /t 0

b 1 /t 1

t 0 /t 1

b 1 /b 2

T

Gap-joint

60.6

60.6

0.9

20

12

1.0

1.0

Table 2: Different parameters of the joint.

Instrumentation and measurement Electrical Resistance Strain Gauges were placed on the four faces of the elements constituting the joint (Figs. 4 and 5), in order to measure the strains and subsequently determine the stresses. Then, the measured values were converted into forces and bending moments in the braces and in the chord.

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