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ABSTRACT
SOUZA,A.S.C. (2003). Theoretical and Experimental Analysis of Space
Trusses. São Carlos.2003 Thesis (Doctorate), The School of Engineering at São
Carlos, University of São Paulo-Brazil.
This paper presents a study of the behavior of tubular circular section space
trusses with the main emphasis placed on the performance of the various truss
typologies used in Brazil. Nine space trusses with plan dimensions of 7.5m x
15.0m and one with plan dimensions of 7.5mx7.5m and height of 1.5m were
tested. The joint type was varied with the objective to characterize and compare
the behavior of the more common types of connection systems (typical node –
stamped end, steel node, and end plate node).
The theoretical analysis employing finite elements was adopted mainly to
ascertain the validity of various numerical models commonly employed and
hence refining them by including the some basic characteristics of the observed
structural behavior.
The numerical analysis employed was based on two methodologies: a global
structural analysis that takes into account the effects of non-linearity,
eccentricities at connection, and the variation of the end bars cross section. In
this manner the actual behavior of the tested trusses was well represented. The
analysis of the behavior of a typical node, modeled using tri-dimensional finite
shell elements made it possible to analyze the interaction between bars that
converge at the nodal region by applying contact elements. Despite it simplicity,
predicted results of the collapse mode obtained by using the proposed model,
very well reproduce the experimental observation.
Key words: Space truss, Space structure, connections, experimental
analysis.
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