STEEL JOINTS BEHAVIOUR EVALUATION

Abstract

When is referred to the swivel joint stiffness, stiffness designation means that between the combined elements (ex: beam - column) there is no relative rotation, regardless of the external loads level. A pin-ended joint can be considered when connected elements can rotate freely. In terms of joint strength, it is considered complete strength when the resistance is stronger than the weakest element of the connected elements, while partial resistance joints are weaker than the combined elements. These partial strength joints are calculated to convey the internal forces and not to resist the entire load bearing elements combined. A pinended joint does not transmit any bending moment. Considering the strength and stiffness properties of joints, lead to their three modeling: articulated, rigid, semirigid.