Connection design of prefabricated thin cold-formed steel wall elements
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Helsinki University of Technology |
Diplomityö
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Author
Date
2009
Major/Subject
Teräsrakennetekniikka
Mcode
Rak-83
Degree programme
Language
en
Pages
84 (+3)
Series
Abstract
The prefabricated thin cold-formed steel elements are elements which are typically used external coverage structures of the building, such as walls or roofs. They were introduced in order to develop cost-effective structures in construction industries. Prefabrication of elements enables us to reduce the cost. On fabrication of steel elements, the most time consuming process is creation of connections of steel profiles. Developing fast connection method is purpose of this thesis work. The present connection method which is widely used in industry is screwing. Screwing is, definitely, a reliable way of creating connection. However, as there exists a number of connections in one element, screwing is rather time consuming. As a result, the issue of alternative connection methods was raised. In this thesis, connection by industrial adhesive is introduced as a possible alternative connection method. Adhesives have advantages on conventional mechanical fasteners, such as screws or bolts. Utilizing advantages of industrial adhesives, two possible alternative connections were introduced. The connections were made by typical thin cold-formed steel profiles, which are used in Ruukki's Nordicon elements. An epoxy-based adhesive was selected as it is believed to make very strong connections. Tension and shear capacities of the connections were studied and tested. Theory shows that these alternative connections can hold as strong as screw connections. However, the test results were, unfortunately, rather poor than expected values. Capacities in test results show about 25%...50% of expected values. Adhesive connections were stronger in shear than in tension. A few possible causes for the poor result were discussed. They are poor quality of adhesive itself, geometry of the test specimen and poor surface preparation of the adherends before application of adhesives.Description
Supervisor
Mäkeläinen, PenttiThesis advisor
Rokkanen, ArtoKeywords
connection, cold-formed, adhesive, bonding, element, prefabrication
