Survey of Existing Studies on the Strength and Deformation of Spherical Joints in Steel Space Trusses

Abstract

In order to accurately predict the behavior of space trusses, it is necessary not only to account for the actual framing members, but also to be able to predict the response of the joints holding these members together. Moreover, to design the joint, one must consider not only the qualitative variables describing the joint, but also the stress distributions and deformations within the joint, under assumed design loads. In this paper, a survey of existing studies on the strength and deformation of spherical joints in steel space trusses is given. Remarks on the limitations of such studies are made and a need for a greater in-depth treatment in such studies is suggested.