FLATPRESSED TUBULAR JOINTS FOR TELECOMMUNICATION TOWERS - EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

摘要

Present paper extends the previous experimental studies performed on double lap joints for tubular members made by flatpressing of ends. The joint was innovated by Ramboll and has been used in telecommunication tower designs worldwide. Since the initial investigations performed the concept of the joint has been further developed, calling for more experimental data on details with these modifications. Furthermore recent development in experimental data recording by the introduction of stereophotogrammetry for structural and mechanical applications provides a more thorough study of the detail hot spot strain. Ultimate capacities and failure modes observed in the experiments with tension and compression specimens are compared with relevant tower design standards. This comparison indicates that standards are in good agreement with experimental results for one bolt connections when acceptable deformation criterions are included. The reduction of bearing capacity due to closely spaced bolts in Eurocode 3 is discussed and in this case found to be very strict when compared to the deformation of one bolt connections.