Issues Related to the Design of Spatial Structures

<< 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 >>

(2) Connection Types

Even though welded connections provide the highest strength for spatial structures, bolted connections are more desirable when the assembly and erection are conducted by unskilled workers (to reduce the construction costs). The member sizes usually determine the type and size of the connectors to be used and they also depend on the members’ angles of intersection and accessibility for welding. For very large spans (more than 200 ft in the case of FDLGs) welded connections are usually  more preferable and economical than conventional bolted connections. There have been a large number of proprietary commercial connectors. Refer to the System section for information on some of the most commonly used systems.

The two most commonly used commercial connectors are the Triodetic and Mero systems.

To connect to the joints, the member ends in some spatial structures are flattened (coined or crimped). This generally reduces the flexural stiffness and strength of the member in addition to its buckling capacity. The Triodetic system is an example of this method of connection.

Hollow spheres are also used as nodes or connectors for spatial structures. They are usually cast either in the form of complete spheres with holes punched or drilled after casting or they are made of two half-spheres. The Mero system is an example of this type of node.

<< 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 >>