Effect of Joint Stiffness on Deformation of a Novel Hybrid FRP–Aluminum Space Truss System
Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 145, Issue 11
Abstract
To achieve light weight, high load-carrying capacity, and corrosion resistance, a novel hybrid FRP-aluminum space truss system is proposed in detail. An advanced pretightened teeth connection (PTTC) and its combined joint–aluminum bolt–ball connecting system (ABCS) were designed to interconnect pultruded FRP elements. In view of the significant effect of the ABCS on structural deformation, the axial stiffness properties of the ABCS were first investigated through experimental tests and numerical simulations. Then, in establishing a structural calculation model for the hybrid space truss, a new combined-line-elements solution was proposed to simulate the complex axial stiffness variation in the ABCS, to which the traditional Timoshenko beam element cannot be applied. Beam elements with different cross sections were adopted to simulate the FRP truss member and the PTTC. The structural calculation model was verified with a previously published case. The design of a hangar structure using this hybrid space truss system is discussed here. The preliminary design was made using the traditional simple-link-system model, and a comparative calculation was made with the new combined-line-elements model. The results indicated that the structural design of this unique hybrid system under a flexural moment is stiffness-driven rather than strength-driven owing to the low elastic modulus of the materials. The conventional simple-link-system model ignores actual differences in component stiffness and thus is dangerous for structural design. Based on the discussion, a design strategy for the hybrid space truss system is proposed.
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Acknowledgments
Support from the National Key Research and Development Program of China (Award No. 2017YFC0703008), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Award Nos. 51778620 and 51708552), the Natural Science Foundations of Jiangsu Province (Award No. BK20170752), the Young Elite Scientist Sponsorship (Award No. 17-JCJQ-QT-020), and the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (Award No. 2017M611657) is gratefully acknowledged.
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Published In
Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 145 • Issue 11 • November 2019
Copyright
©2019 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Nov 6, 2018
Accepted: Mar 19, 2019
Published online: Aug 26, 2019
Published in print: Nov 1, 2019
Discussion open until: Jan 26, 2020
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