Numerical analysis of compressed end-flattened steel bars of three- dimensional trusses

Resumo

On the field of steel structures, one of the most commonly used types of structural systems is the
three-dimensional truss. It is applied in a wide range of sizes and shapes, with its constituent elements usually
prescribed as hollow circular cross-section bars. In order to assemble them in a practical and efficient way, one
alternative often chosen by designers is to flatten their ends and attach these bars in bolted connections.
Although such constructive method has notorious advantages and is already present in a large number of
engineering projects in different countries, it is still necessary to conduct more studies that analyze its singular
structural behavior and thereby contribute to the establishment of forthcoming normative criteria. In this sense,
this work presents an association of numerical analysis and empirical data of an example of end-flattened steel
bar, especially regarding the variation of the stress field developed along the structure subjected to different
levels of load. The results obtained provide a better understanding of the consequences of the reduction of
stiffness due to the flattening process of the bar ends.