Modeling the semi-rigid behaviour of the MERO jointing system

The semi-rigidity of the connections has an important effect on the behaviour of space structures. A number of researchers have developed some computer programs that include the effects of the semi-rigidity of the connections in the structural analysis. The aim of this paper is to propose a simple method based on the use of the ANS YS software suite that is easy to use in practical work. The MERO system has been considered in the present work. A small beam element together with some nonlinear springs elements are used to represent the behaviour of the connections. The stiffness of the rotational springs represents the semirigidity of the connections. A large value of the stiffness relates to a rigid condition and a small value relates the pin condition. A number of examples for both static and dynamic cases are included. The numerical results obtained by the proposed method are in a reasonable agreement with experimental and analytical result.

• INTRODUCTION

• BEHAVIOUR OF THE MERO JOINTING SYSTEM

• STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS INCLUDING THE EFFECTS OF SEMI-RIGIDITY OF CONNECTIONS

• ANALYSIS PROCESS USING ANSYS COMPUTER PACKAGE

• VERIFICATION OF THE PROPOSED ANALYTICAL MODEL

• CONCLUSION

• REFERENCES