Experimental and numerical studies on single-layer reticulated shells with aluminium alloy gusset joints

Single-layer reticulated shells with aluminium alloy gusset (AAG) joints have a significant application prospect in spatial structures. To investigate their buckling behaviour, a single-layer reticulated shell with AAG joints subjected to a concentrated load at central joint was tested. The tested shell was a K6 shell with 5 rings, 8 m span and 0.5 m height. Its failure mode, buckling behaviour, internal force distribution of members, stress distribution of plates and joint stiffness were discussed. Finite element (FE) method implemented in the non-linear code ANSYS was adopted for the further investigation of single-layer reticulated shells with AAG joints. The FE procedure was accurately calibrated on the basis of the available experimental results. To develop a deep understanding, parameter studies considering the influence of joint bending behaviour on the buckling behaviour of single-layer reticulated shells were conducted.