Numerical study of purlin joints with sleeve connections

•Purlins joints with sleeve connections are numerically studied.•A simple method to consider the sleeve joint semi rigid nature is proposed.

The joint behaviour influences the stresses and deformations developed by the structure. Based on a predesign for the structural efficiency, a numerical study of cold formed purlins joints with sleeve connections has been performed, allowing for the actual joints structural behavior. The moment rotation curves of the joint configurations are obtained from the corresponding simulations. A simple method to consider the semi rigid nature of the sleeve joint is proposed, by including rotational springs, located on the bolts lines. It permits the characterization of the actual stiffness and strength of the sleeve joints.